Commanders Mock Draft 2.0: Washington shakes up draft at No. 2, selects Jayden Daniels over Drake Maye
By John Blair
Round 3 Pick 100: Christian Haynes, C, UConn
After addressing the offensive tackle spot in the second round, look for Washingto to address the interior offensive line in the third round. The team’s only player who is set at his position inside is Sam Cosmi, but the left guard and center positions are major question marks. The team spent a third-round pick on center Ricky Stromberg in the 2023 NFL Draft, however, he missed most of the season with a knee injury. At left guard, the team has an even bigger question mark as Chris Paul was one of the leaders in sacks allowed despite not starting most of the season and Saahdiq Charles battled injuries most of the year and is scheduled to be a free agent.
UConn’s Christian Haynes has been my top center all year long and he would be an ideal pick for Washington in the third round. Haynes is a good athlete who easily gets to the second level when run blocking. He is also a versatile player who should be able to play either offensive guard or center in the NFL.
""Christian is just an incredible human being, great integrity, cares about this program, this team, and his teammates. He takes great pride in his work ethic and has become a dominant offensive guard/center. He might be a center at the next level. He puts in the time to perfect his craft. He comes to work every day as the same guy. As a coach you love being around guys like that.""
-Â Jim Mora on Christian Haynes
Round 4 Pick 102: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
With two of their top five picks the Commanders added protection for Jayden Daniels and now the team looks to add some playmakers for him. With the selection of Ainias Smith new general manager and form 49ers Assistant General Manager Adam Peters, get his Debo Samuel clone. Like Samuel, Smith has experience playing both wide receiver and running back along with returning kicks.
Smith would help fill a void at the wide receiver position where the team lacks depth, and if Curtis Samuel leaves as a free agent the team will need another starter. He would also be an upgrade as a punt returner over Jamison Crowder who finished 24th in the NFL averaging just 7.9 yards per return last season.