2023 Mock Draft 3.0: Commanders take potential Heisman Trophy finalist

Round Five

Braeden Daniels, Offensive Guard, Utah

One of the primary issues affecting the offense negatively this season has been the offensive line.  Injuries have certainly hurt the unit, but depth has been a part of the problems as well.  When the Commanders signed talented, but aging guards Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner, coaches were hoping both players could rekindle their production from previous years.  The plan has backfired miserably.

Utah’s Braeden Daniels could be a part of the solution to the issues, but he will need to adjust to the life of an NFL lineman.  At 6-4, 315 pounds, he is the starting left tackle for the Utes.  He has played left guard and right tackle since his arrival in Salt Lake City.  Scouts and analysts generally agree that he is a guard at the next level, but will need most, if not all, of his first season learning the speed and power of defensive linemen in the NFL.  Daniels has added more than 30 pounds of bulk and muscle since his freshman year at Utah.  He has the talent to be a starting left guard (he is better on the left side) for a decade or more.

Round Six

Julius Brents, Cornerback, Kansas State

At 6-4, 205 pounds, Julius Brents is not drawing a lot of attention from the college football media world, but scouts are aware of his raw talent and potential.  In fact, he could be a riser on draft boards in the coming months – possibly to third or fourth round status.  For now, we place him here with the realization that it could change.

Brents had a respectable 2021 and he is continuing to impress in 2022.  As he quietly goes about this season, Brents is flying under the radar in a crowded airspace of talented corners across the nation.  A sure tackler with above average speed, the Wildcats standout is able to keep up with quick receivers with long strides and solid fundamentals.  He could end up playing free safety or Buffalo nickel in addition to cornerback, but Brents will need time to adjust to the NFL.  Don’t bet against him.

Round Seven

Cory Trice, Cornerback, Purdue

With the Commanders likely to move on from two of their cornerbacks during the offseason (one of the corners could be gone sometime soon), it makes sense to draft more than one prospect at the position.

Also, the team has a knack for finding very good prospects in the seventh round over the years – James Smith-Williams, Shaka Toney, Kamren Curl, and Dax Milne are regular contributors over the last two years.  This year’s seventh rounders, Christian Holmes and Chris Paul, provide solid special teams play and quality depth.

Cory Trice could follow the same path to success and provide the team with good depth and special teams acumen.  That is how his impact will need to happen initially, but Trice could surprise at the next level as a depth option at corner.  At 6-3, 215 pounds, the redshirt senior could end up being a very good addition in the late rounds.

Commanders 2023 NFL Draft Thoughts

As we get deeper into the 2022 season, the team’s needs for the upcoming offseason are becoming known.  Cornerback is obviously the top need for now, but keep an eye on the quarterbacks.

Mock 4.0 is coming in two weeks.  What changes will we see?  Will a quarterback be mocked in round one?  See you as we go along.