Riggo's Rag
FanSided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round Three

Darnell Washington, Tight End, Georgia

The tight end production for the Commanders in 2022 is not what the coaches were expecting.  Logan Thomas is still recovering from his 2021 injury and is far removed from his 2020 level of play.  John Bates is a superb blocker, but offers very little as a receiving tight end.  Armani Rodgers is currently on injured reserve and Cole Turner can’t seem to shake his various injuries.

The Commanders will like Darnell Washington.  He is similar in size to the current tight end corps and could have an immediate impact.  Washington is behind two of the better tight ends in the nation, but he would be a starter with solid production at other Power Five programs.  Also, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the team moving on from Logan Thomas after this season.  He had a solid game against the Texans last Sunday, but it wouldn’t hurt to have another talented tight end on the roster in 2023.

Round Three (Compensatory Pick)

Steve Avila, Offensive Guard, Texas Christian

The offensive line had a shaky start to the season, but the unit has improved in recent weeks.  There is still a need to add quality and talent on the line during the offseason.  Guards Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell run hot and cold and both veterans have seen a dip in their overall production this season.   Depth is also a concern and players like Wes Schweitzer, Willie Beavers, and Nolan Laufenberg spend more time on injured reserve than on the playing field.  Chris Paul likely needs another year of learning about life in the NFL.

The addition of Steve Avila from current powerhouse TCU would be a solid addition.  At 6-4, 335, Avila certainly possesses the size profile that fits what the Rivera regime is looking for in its interior linemen.  Avila can play either guard position or center if needed.  His versatility and solid abilities in the rushing offense and passing game likely makes him a starter from day one.

Round Four

Isaiah Moore, Linebacker, North Carolina State

The linebacker depth for the Commanders this season is thin and it has been an issue at times.  Cole Holcomb (when healthy) and Jamin Davis have become a solid tandem, but the depth is very questionable.  David Mayo, Jon Bostic, and Nate Gerry are on their last legs and have little to nothing left in the gas tank.  De’Jon Harris and Nate Gerry are practice squad players at best.  Milo Eifler (IR) is still unproven.

Isaiah Moore of N.C. State is not the flashiest of linebackers, but he is a solid player who will provide a team with plenty of tackles, snag an interception, cause a fumble or two, give you a sack when needed, defend passes effectively, and stuff the running back short of the first down marker.  He could become a starter within two or three years, but his role is likely to be as a rotational player and valuable backup.

Home/Commanders Draft News