Washington Football Team: Complete seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft

It was certainly an interesting 2020 season for the Washington Football Team. They started off the year with a name change and ended up limping their way to a 7-9 record. However, that 7-9 record was good enough to win the NFC East and give Washington a spot in the playoffs.

In the Wild Card Round, Washington gave the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers all they could handle. Led by Taylor Heinicke under center, Washington came up just short, losing to the Bucs 31-23. A valiant effort by the clearly over-matched team.

This Washington team featured one of the best defenses in the entire NFL this past season. The unit was led by an incredible defensive line that has a ton of immediate and long-term upside. This defensive line is a special group and they give the Washington Football Team a legitimate unit to build around going forward.

While their quarterback situation is ugly, there is also plenty to like for Washington on the offensive side of the ball. Terry McLaurin is one of the best young wide receivers in the entire NFL and running back Antonio Gibson is coming off of an impressive rookie season. While they have some work to do on the offensive line this offseason, they do have a strong group up front that can help stabilize the entire offensive unit.

Finding an impact quarterback will be the top priority for Washington this offseason, but that will obviously not be easy. However, there is also plenty of work to do at other positions. Free agency will be important, but the Washington Football Team is building a strong young roster and must continue to do so through the 2021 NFL Draft. Find out how they can continue to build to this core in this complete seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft for the team.

Note: This 2021 NFL mock draft was completed using The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine.

Washington Football Team mock draft: Round 1, 19th overall

The Washington Football Team catches a gift from the football gods in the first round of this 2021 NFL mock draft, as offensive tackle prospect Christian Darrisaw falls to them at No. 19. Darrisaw is a fantastic left tackle prospect who would be a great value pick in this range and would fill one of the largest needs on their roster.

Washington actually has a solid group of offensive linemen already on the roster. If they can retain Brandon Scherff in free agency, this would still be a good, solid group to build the offense around in 2021. However, their need for a long-term franchise left tackle is obvious. Cornelius Lucas is a solid stop-gap left tackle, but Washington would be wise to invest in the position long term and that is where Darrisaw comes into play.

Darrisaw is a long and mobile offensive lineman who shines in pass protection and when allowed to get out in space in the run game. He is a tremendous second-level blocker who understands angles well and knows how to use his long limbs to his advantage.

Darrisaw is not an elite power player at this point of his career, but he does display strong hands and flash dominant power at the point of attack at times. While his mobility is a bigger strength, Darrisaw certainly has a long-term power profile worth getting excited about.

Simply put, left tackle is a major long-term need for the Washington Football Team and Darrisaw is one of the best at the position in the class. Snagging him at No. 19 would be a dream scenario for the team as they build their offensive attack through the trenches.