3 first round shockers that would quickly have people wondering what the Commanders are doing in the NFL Draft

UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger, projected by many as a Day 2 pick, has a chance to go in the end of Round 1 to a team such as the Commanders (No. 29) or Bills (No. 30) that might be be looking for additional defensive help. - Adam Schefter, ESPN

This move would make the most sense in the big picture, as Wagner is a year-to-year prospect despite still playing solid football. Schwesinger only played one season of starting football under at UCLA, so it remains to be seen if he can produce like he did in 2024 on a consistent basis. He would have time to develop and further craft his game, but it would still be an eyebrow-raising move if he were to get picked at 29.

2. Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona Wildcats

This would certainly be a shocker, as Savaiinaea is widely projected as a second-round pick. At the same time though, we could see a run on offensive linemen in Round 1 due to the fact that there's a stark drop-off from Tier 1. 

We’ve mentioned the dynamics the offensive line class should benefit from Thursday night—it’s a good-not-great group, with players likely to be pushed up because there isn’t a ton of Day 2–quality depth either at tackle or on the interior. - Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

The Commanders have met with Savaiinaea twice - at the Combine and his pro day. So, there's interest in the guard and while the pick would certainly be a shocker, it'd make sense in both the short and long term.

For starters, Sam Cosmi will likely miss the first month of the season, at minimum. There's no guarantee he'll fully recover from the ACL injury he suffered against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs, either. Then, there's Nick Allegretti at left guard. Sure, he's a capable player, but he has a low ceiling and is in the penultimate year of his contract. Drafting Savaiinaea gives the Commanders a solution at right guard until Cosmi returns. Then, he can flip to left guard over the offseason and give Allegretti a run for his at left guard, next year.

Yes, the Commanders still have Trent Scott on the roster, who filled in pretty well for Cosmi (they also brought in Nate Herbig), but Washington needs to max out its protection of Jayden Daniels with absolutely zero exception and Savaiinaea represents a potential upgrade over Scott. And then Allegretti - when the right time comes.

3. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU Tigers

Honestly, Taylor would be a great addition to the Commanders offense, but with Zach Ertz back in the mix, John Bates' extension, and Ben Sinnott's potential, it would be quite the shocker to see Adam Peters take a tight end at No. 29.

Sure, Ertz is on a one-year deal and like Wagner, is a year-to-year prospect. Bates' speciality comes in the blocking game and while there's potential with Sinnott, he didn't do much during his rookie year. So, in the context of a long-term solution, Taylor makes sense, but that's not what the Commanders really need, right now.

He'd likely slot in at TE3 at best and Washington simply needs more "juice and impact" from whomever they take in the first round. Taylor may be able to provide that in a year or two, but he won't be able to in 2025, so picking him in Round 1 would easily be a shocker.