2023 Mock Draft 2.0: Commanders take Georgia phenom in Round 1
The Washington Commanders will have some obvious needs during the 2023 offseason. Some player additions will be signed by way of free agency, but key players added next spring will come via the 2023 NFL Draft.
The 2023 NFL Draft is more than six months away, but all thirty-two teams in the league are on the prowl to scout prospects that will be the best fit for their teams. The Washington Commanders scouts are busy at this time of the year and the draft will provide another new opportunity to bolster the offense and defense. Fans are obviously focused on the 2022 season, but many die-hards are checking on potential players each week.
Welcome to the Mock Draft 2.0 for this week. There will be a few changes from Mock Draft 1.0, but many of the same team needs will continue to command our attention today and over the next six months. For the die-hards and casual fans out there, feel free to leave your mocks and player recommendations in the comments below.
Team needs will change throughout the season and offseason, but can be altered a bit with the advent of free agency in the late winter and early spring. As we mentioned in 1.0, team needs will likely center on these positions: cornerbacks, offensive line depth, linebacker/safety/Buffalo nickel, defensive line depth, and defensive end. Today’s mock will feature two trades, so let’s get right to it!
Commanders 2023 Mock Draft 2.0
Round One
***Trade***
The Washington Commanders trade down in round one and gain a 2023 second rounder and a 2024 fifth round selection.
Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia
There is nothing wrong with grabbing a player from the perennial national title contender Georgia Bulldogs. Washington has done so in the recent past with another SEC program and here is an opportunity to add one of the best corners in the nation. At 6-2, 205 pounds, Kelee Ringo has the size and prototypical frame that you look for in today’s NFL cornerback.
Ringo is a sophomore this season, but he is an eligible candidate to enter the draft a year early and is likely to do so. He takes chances a bit too often, but makes up for it with the occasional big play. This supremely confident corner has lockdown potential at the next level. Ringo has the ability to excel in man and zone coverage. Look for Washington to place a high priority on cornerback during the offseason.
Mizzou's best receiver Dominic Lovett on tackle for 9-yard loss by Georgia's Kelee Ringo. 10:55, 2Q. Second-and-19 for Tigers at Bulldogs' 34.
— Chip Towers AJC (@ctowersajc) October 2, 2022
Round Two
Washington is unlikely to have a second-round pick next spring due to the Carson Wentz trade, but our mocked trade in round one changes that equation. With Wentz all but guaranteed to start more than 70% of Washington’s games, the Burgundy and Gold will keep their third-round selection.
Henry To’oTo’o, Linebacker, Alabama
Here is what we had to say about To’oTo’o in the first mock.
"The Burgundy and Gold head down to sweet home Alabama and continue a draft tradition of selecting Alabama players. To’oTo’o is the kind of linebacker that is sorely needed in Washington. He is solid in rushing defense. He is solid in pass defense."
Adding To’oTo’o and Ringo will go a long way in filling two weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball.