NFL Mock Draft: Commanders Take Top CB After Combine
The Washington Commanders are keeping their eye on improving their secondary early in this year's NFL Draft.
With Kendall Fuller entering the final year of his contract and the team trading William Jackson III early in the season, there's a strong need for a cornerback.
Sports Illustrated agrees, mocking Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon to the Commanders with the No. 16 pick in its first draft simulation after the Combine.
"He’s a high-energy talker who loves to remind wide receivers that they’re getting locked up," SI writes. "Witherspoon has a quick trigger and excellent closing speed on short routes and screens."
Witherspoon is the first of four cornerbacks to be taken in the mock draft after Christian Gonzalez (No. 17, Pittsburgh Steelers), Kelee Ringo (No. 18, Detroit Lions) and Joey Porter Jr. (No. 24, Minnesota Vikings).
Witherspoon met with the Commanders during the Combine but did not participate in any of the major drills, including the 40-yard dash. Despite his lack of participation in the main drills, Witherspoon projects to be competing with Gonzalez to be the top cornerback selected in the draft.
Gonzalez had one of the fastest 40-yard dash times with 4.38 seconds and a top vertical jump at 41.5". Those gave him a shot to overtake Witherspoon as the top cornerback, but the Commanders might not have the luxury of picking between the two if they stay at No. 16.
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