ESPN’s Field Yates updated his mock draft on Wednesday with his 4.0 version, and he brings a new name to the Commanders.
Looking at several mock drafts this week, the Commanders are seen drafting a WR, a CB, and an Edge at No. 29. But Yates brought a new name that has not been seen for the Commanders in the first round. Yates has the Commanders selecting South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori.
Now, before you get upset and write off the selection as crazy, this is what Yates was thinking. He looked at Emmanwori’s physical stature of 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds and knew Adam Peters likes to draft physical players. Emmanwori is moving up draft boards as teams consider his numbers at the annual NFL combine.
Yates also knows the Commanders’ defense was much too kind and generous in 2024. They need new players on the defensive side of the ball if they are to be a playoff team again in 2025.
Emmanwori ran a 1.53 10-yard split, 2.55 20-yard split, and a 4.38-yard 40. Keep in mind that it is at 220 pounds. Does this sound familiar, Washington fans? I am referring to former Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was drafted fifth overall in the 2004 NFL draft, Joe Gibbs’ first draft after returning to the Redskins. Taylor was a big safety who ran and played fast and hit ferociously. In addition, Emmanwori’s vertical and broad jumps are even more impressive at 43 inches and 11 feet 6 inches, respectively.
Chances are that Emmanwori will continue to climb boards and thus may not even be available at No. 29 for the Commanders. But for Yates, he thought Emmanwori, if available, might be too much for Peters to pass on, so he chose to select the best player available.
Here is the Top Ten for Yates’ latest 4.0 Mock Draft:
- Titans — Cam Word, QB
- Browns — Abdul Carter, Edge
- Giants — Sheduer Sanders, QB
- Patriots –Travis Hunter, WR/CB
- Jaguars — Mason Graham, DT
- Raiders — Ashton Jeanty, RB
- Jets — Armond Membou, OT
- Panthers — Jalon Walker, Edge
- Saints — Shemar Stewart, Edge
- Bears — Will Campbell, OT
For those who would like to see Yates’ entire 4.0 mock draft, here is the video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX4R9K1VUdY
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