Washington Commanders Include a Known Face in the Most Recent ESPN Mock Draft
Coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders described his team’s final four games as a test of mental toughness.
It has to do with how easy it is to anticipate the end of the season; former Commanders defensive end Montez Sweats recently stated that the locker room is already that way.
However, Rivera has to maintain Washington’s focus while fending off outside chatter about his job security and the team’s approaching offseason.
With the Commanders holding the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, there is hope for the future. However, it remains to be seen if they will select to assist quarterback Sam Howell or replace him.
Although that choice may be made for a new administration, as things stand, it seems likely that Washington will choose the latter, as shown by the selection of Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu in ESPN’s most recent mock draft.
“First-year starting quarterback Sam Howell has likely shown enough bright spots for the Commanders to build around him for at least one more season,” according to ESPN. “Howell is on pace to break the record for most sacks taken in a single season (58 in 13 games), so they cannot maintain this offensive line as it currently stands.
“Fashanu is a fluid left tackle for Penn State who has only given up one sack the entire season. Although the 20-year-old junior is still growing, he has potential similar to that of Laremy Tunsil.”
Fashanu has long been a standout player for Pro Football Focus; in his four years at Penn State, he has never received a grade lower than 84 overall as a pass protector, including an 88.4 this season.
The 320-pound, 6-6 Fashanu made progress in his run blocking as well, recording a career-high 70.5 run blocking grade in 2023.
Fashanu was recently selected to the first team of the Big Ten and awarded the Rimington-Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. Additionally, he was named an AP All-American.
Fashanu, 21, attended Gonzaga College High School, which is about 20 minutes away from FedEx Field. He is a native of Waldorf, Maryland.
In addition to his impressive on-field record, he has an impressive off-field record as well. He is the team captain and a three-time academic All-Big Ten honoree.
The Commanders (4-9) need to look ahead to the next four games, and Fashanu seems like a solid choice with the potential to soar to new heights.
