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Every NFL team is allowed 30 pre-draft visits to the team’s headquarters before the NFL draft. We now know that one of Washington’s 30 visits will be for Texas A&M tight end Jalen Wydermyer, per Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.
On paper, tight end may not be considered a significant need for the Commanders; however, Logan Thomas didn’t have surgery on his torn ACL until late December, meaning he may not be ready for training camp in July.
John Bates, a fourth-round pick in 2021, showed promise late in the season. He played in every game, made eight starts, catching 20 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown. Bates is also a solid blocker.
Washington also has Sammis Reyes on the roster but lost Ricky Seals-Jones to the New York Giants in free agency.
The 6-foot-5, 256-pound Wydermyer was widely considered a solid second-round prospect before a disappointing 40-yard dash at Texas A&M’s pro day. Over his three years in College Station, Wydermyer caught 118 passes for 1,468 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Wydermyer should still be considered a solid second-round pick. His college film will carry more weight than one 40 time. Sure, it will cause some teams to go back and watch Wydermyer’s tape to see if there is a lack of explosiveness, but it should be no big deal.
Wydermyer is a good prospect and could immediately help Washington in 2022. Remember, new quarterback Carson Wentz loves throwing to big tight ends.