USA TODAY Sports Weekly

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

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Rd. 1: 11 Rd. 2: 47 Rd. 4: 113 Rd. 6: 189 Rd. 7: 230 Rd. 7: 240

Quarterbac­k Linebacker Safety Wide receiver

The drop-off in production behind Terry McLaurin (second straight 1,000-yard season) was steep in 2021, with RBs J.D. McKissic and Antonio Gibson finishing second and third on the team in receptions last season, respective­ly. McLaurin would be even more potent if the Commanders had a decent WR2. He’s also in the final year of his rookie contract.

2022 picks Guard

Washington’s best offensive lineman in 2021, All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff is now the Jaguars’ best offensive lineman. The five-time Pro Bowler played under the franchise tag the past two seasons before jumping to Jacksonvil­le on a three-year, $49.5 million deal. A top blocker such as Mississipp­i State LT Charles Cross stands out.

Head coach Ron Rivera said acquiring Carson Wentz in a trade with the Colts “doesn’t preclude” Washington from drafting a signal-caller with the No. 11 pick. Wentz owns a 16-9 record as a starter against the NFC East. QB2 Taylor Heinicke was 2-3 against the division in 2021 with four TD passes and five picks.

An area of need for Rivera and defensive coordinato­r Jack Del Rio. The former linebacker­s seem determined to finally upgrade this annual roster weakness. It remains unclear if 2021 first-rounder Jamin Davis can grow into the MLB role.

Releasing three-time Pro Bowler Landon Collins in a salary-slashing move leaves a major talent gap to fill. The Commanders re-signed Bobby McCain, who has played effectively in a rotation.

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