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2023 Mock Draft 5.0: Commanders take SEC superstar with first-round pick

By Ken Johannesen

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kelee Ringo #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs lines up against Troy Franklin #11 of the Oregon Ducks during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Kick-Off Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 3, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kelee Ringo #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs lines up against Troy Franklin #11 of the Oregon Ducks during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Kick-Off Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 3, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Commanders have plenty of needs during the upcoming offseason, but what the front office will focus on and what the fans prefer could be two distinctly different philosophies.

After eleven games, the Washington Commanders have a winning record.  That was not on anyone’s radar after a 1-4 start to the season.  Talk of acquiring a higher draft pick in 2023 has turned into conversations about the playoffs, starting quarterback, and the emergence of young players.  Following Sunday’s victory over the Houston Texans, the Commanders are now 6-5 and with winning five of the last six games, playing later into January is becoming a realistic goal.

Today’s focus for us is the 2023 offseason and the NFL Draft.  Welcome to Mock 5.0 – it is time for our bi-monthly look at the college prospects and examine which players could be a suitable fit for the Burgundy and Gold.  We have some major changes for you today, including a major correction from previous mock drafts – you will notice it a bit later.  Too, you will see a major philosophical shift today and it will be a very obvious change in the early rounds.

There will be only one trade in this mock, but it will be a significant trade as you will see.  This front office has a knack for trading during the draft and finding hidden gems in the latter rounds.  We hope to tap into that ability today.  Let’s get started!

***Round One***

Today, we will have three very special first round picks.  It’s the least we can do.  On Nov. 13, three members of the University of Virginia football team were murdered by a former player on the team.  We honor them today with first round selections.

  • Devin Chandler, Wide Receiver, Virginia
  • Lavel Davis, Jr., Wide Receiver, Virginia
  • D’Sean Perry, Linebacker, Virginia

In memory of 1, 15, and 41.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: Kelee Ringo #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after getting an interception and scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: Kelee Ringo #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after getting an interception and scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Round One

Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia

Cornerbacks continue to be featured in the first round of these mocks and today is no exception.  Benjamin St-Juste is developing into a very good corner, but he is not what many analysts would consider to be a CB1.  Former Commanders corner William Jackson III was expected to fill that role, but he was a free agent bust and is now on injured reserve with the Steelers.

Kelee Ringo should be able to step into the CB1 role from day one.  He can cover along the perimeter.  He can cover on the boundary and along the blue line effectively.  He can cover in zone and man coverage – needed traits in today’s NFL.

Round Two

***Trade***

The Commanders trade down in round two and add a third rounder and a fifth round selection.

Jaelyn Duncan, Offensive Tackle, Maryland

There has been plenty of chatter on social media and rumors of coaches wanting to move right tackle Sam Cosmi to right guard.  However, Jaelyn Duncan is a left tackle and that is probably his best fit in the NFL. At 6-6, 320 pounds, this Terrapin has the size and power to start from day one.  Youth and power is needed on the offensive line and Duncan is certainly blessed with these attributes.

Charles Leno is the starter at left tackle, but he will be 32 next season and has experienced a few lapses this season.  Would he be willing to take a backup role and reduce his cap hit a bit?  If not, Duncan can easily slide into the right tackle position and move to left tackle after Leno retires or signs elsewhere.

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