2021 NFL Mock Draft
19. Washington Football Team: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
This is where it gets interesting. Washington would love to add a quarterback, but they are not in a situation to trade up for one of the top five options. No one is worth drafting this late in the first round, and no one is on the trade market that is worth this pick.
Because of that, they will be looking at other needs with this pick. They need essentially everything besides a member of the defensive line. With that in mind, they could easily take a best-player-available approach. The BPA right now is JOK, the Notre Dame linebacker.
Owusu-Koramoah has the speed and strength. He can lead a defense from a playcalling perspective. He’s not as versatile as Micah Parsons, but he is still very versatile. He can rush the passer and step back into coverage.
Does he move the needle by himself? No. However, he will be a player who you don’t have to worry about. He can do his job well and be a strong piece in an elite defense.
Ron Rivera knows the importance of having a strong linebacker, and he might bang the table for someone like JOK. Don’t be surprised if he is drafted before Washington, but he could come off the board here if he slips.