NFL Draft Day 3: Top Commanders Targets Remaining to Start Fourth Round
ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders have filled some needs in the NFL Draft through two days, but the work is far from done.
In a lot of cases, the picks that come on Saturday during Day 3 of the selection process prove to make or break teams like the Commanders.
This is where the best general managers find starting caliber talent outside of the bright lights of primetime television, and really build out their rosters.
And we've got five names we're tagging as potential targets for Washington as coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew continue to work on the roster.
OT Dawand Jones, Ohio State
I wouldn't honestly think Jones would last another 15 picks to get to Washington at No. 118.
But then again, I didn't think he'd still be on the board at all entering Day 3.
The Commanders have made some solid moves on the offensive line this offseason, and drafting Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg is another one, but if Jones is still there we may see them go back-to-back position groups yet again.
Another Player to Watch: OT Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland
LB Nick Herbig, Wisconsin
Labeled an edge by many throughout the lead-up to the NFL Draft, it seems everyone is finally on the same page in calling Herbig a linebacker.
This marks the second year in a row most have off-ball linebacker as a need for the team.
Another Player to Watch: LB Henry To'oTo'o, USC
RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
Running back isn't the biggest need on this team but after going defense with the first two picks, Abanikanda wouldn't be a bad option for the Commanders to consider if they're looking to give assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy a new weapon to work with.
The Pitt prospect is compared to Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco in Lance Zierlein's draft profile, so you know there's a scheme fit in there somewhere.
Another Player to Watch: RB Roschon Johnson, Texas
TE Josh Whyle, Cincinnati
Washington already passed on selecting the top tight end in the class and watched Utah stud Dalton Kincaid head to the Buffalo Bills.
By the time they came back on the clock most of the remaining top pass-catching options were gone.
Still, Whyle might be the best of the last group worth drafting with real rookie-year expectations and could be the target here.
Another Player to Watch: TE Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion
QB Tanner McKee, Stanford
Could the Commanders draft a quarterback this year? Of course, they could.
Some would argue they even should draft one every year with the pick coming later the more confident you are in your starter.
Washington certainly seems confident in rolling forward with second-year quarterback Sam Howell, and he certainly proved them right in the one game he started in his rookie season.
But if McKee is available late enough, his connection with Commanders' quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard could accelerate his NFL development significantly.
Another Player to Watch: QB Clayton Tune, Houston
Here's our list of players to watch entering Day 3 of the NFL Draft. Many of these will go earlier in the day, but slides are often unpredictable.
It's not a perfect list, of course, and the good news is there are still some very talented young men about to join NFL rosters.
And some of them will be headed to Washington by the end of the night.
Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.
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