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It’s never too early to begin looking ahead when you have a record of 2-6 at about the midway point of the 2021 NFL season. For the Washington Football Team, who desperately need a franchise quarterback, that evaluation has already begun.
The defending NFC East champions are struggling in 2021 due to an underperforming defense and a significant hole at quarterback.
With a pick that is expected to be somewhere in the top 10, Washington has a prime opportunity to land one of the 2022 NFL draft’s top passers.
Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus recently submitted his latest mock draft in which he has Washington at No. 5. While it’s certainly disappointing for fans to be thinking about selecting in the top five in the first week of November, landing a potential franchise quarterback should quell those concerns.
Renner has Washington taking the first quarterback in the draft — Matt Corral of Ole Miss.
Renner offers this analysis:
5. WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM: QB MATT CORRAL, OLE MISS
The first quarterback comes off the board, and it’s the one who’s faced the toughest slate of defenses in 2021. Corral is an athlete first with all the tools to be a franchise guy at the position. It’s a tad worrisome he’s been banged up already at only 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, but he’s also earned an 88.9 overall grade in the SEC.
Yes, the size is a legit concern, especially with some of the injuries sustained by Corral. But there is no doubting his play-making ability. Lane Kiffin was the perfect coach for Corral, and if a team selects him in the first round of the NFL draft, it should employ a similar scheme catered to the extraordinary ability of Corral.
Does that sound like Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner?
Turner gets a bit too much criticism at times, although some is warranted. However, he has shown an ability to be creative on offense, and he likes dual-threat quarterbacks. That’s Corral.
Yes, there is risk involved with Corral, but there is risk involved with any quarterback acquisition. Corral would be the type of player to excite fans, something Washington needs, and he is also an outstanding passer.
This offseason will be critical for Washington coach Ron Rivera as he looks to find a franchise quarterback. Corral has all the tools, but would Rivera prefer the veteran route?
It will be interesting to follow Washington’s interest in college passers in the offseason.