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

Round Five

Jalen Graham, Linebacker/Safety, Purdue

Kamren Curl has become one of the best strong safeties in the league with his hybrid skills, but it never hurts to have a solid backup and rotational option as well.  Jalen Graham is a superb hybrid type of player and could fill that role effectively.  He was something of an unknown heading into this season, but the fourth year senior has shined in 2022.

Graham is something of a Kam Curl clone.  He is a sure tackler, a ball hawk, a run stuffer, and can occasionally register a sack.  Like many of the latter round gems that the Commanders have discovered in recent years, Graham has true potential at the next level, but he will need a year to adjust to the NFL.

Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee

In mock 4.0, we had Hendon Hooker listed as a first round target (following a trade), but his fortunes have changed in recent days.  Hooker suffered a torn ACL against South Carolina and his college career is over.  That is the risk for talented early round prospects and it is simply rotten luck for this talented player.

It’s a cruel reality, but Hooker’s draft stock will plummet and he could miss his rookie season in 2023.  The Commanders should take a chance here and draft the former Heisman Trophy candidate.  Hooker is a bit older for an NFL rookie, but the risk at this juncture is worth it.

Round Six

Note: In the first four mocks, we failed to recognize that the Commanders will have a sixth round compensatory pick.  Apologies for the error.

Henry Bainivalu, Offensive Guard, Washington

We list Henry Bainivalu in a second straight mock draft and for a very good reason.  He is a decent prospect with potential.  Here is what we said about him two weeks ago:

"Henry Bainivalu of the Washington Huskies would add plenty of size and excellent depth for the other Washington.  At 6-7, 330 pounds, he certainly fits what the current coaching staff is looking for in a guard."

Round Six (Compensatory Pick)

Cory Trice, Cornerback, Purdue

When going up against the quality competition in the Big Ten conference, late-round prospects have a chance to impress NFL scouts.  That is precisely what Cory Trice has done in 2022.  The numbers are not gaudy, but he is a solid defender and should be a good special teams ace.  At 6-3, 215 Trice’s size is intriguing to teams looking for cornerback depth.

Round Seven

Ronnie Bell, Wide Receiver, Michigan

Like most wide receivers that are late-round prospects, Ronnie Bell’s modest statistics are solid.  Nothing about him screams “spectacular”, but he is a dependable receiver when the ball is thrown his way.  At 6-0, 190 pounds, Bell should be able to carve out a role as a special teams player and work his way into the receiver rotation within two or three years.

Commanders 2023 NFL Draft Thoughts

• The Commanders currently own the 17th overall pick in the first round.  That number will fluctuate with any victories or losses.  If Washington is able to grab a playoff slot, they will pick no lower than 19th.
• If Carson Wentz does return next year, it will need to be on a much friendlier team contract.

• The contract status of Daron Payne could be tied to the Carson Wentz situation.  It will be interesting to see how it will play out in the offseason.
• Logan Thomas had a solid game against the Texans.  If he continues to improve, drafting a tight end next spring could be off the table.

Mock 6.0 is already being prepared and it will be here in about two weeks.  See you as we go along.