2023 Mock Draft 6.0: Commanders select local star to solidify OL

The Washington Commanders have reached the bye week of their 2022 season and are firmly in a battle for a wildcard playoff berth.  However, many analysts and fans know that the 2023 offseason is just around the corner.

It’s the bye week for the Washington Commanders and fans have a chance to relax for a full 14 days.  It’s an opportunity to enjoy stress-free football, but scouts and front office personnel are busy with the upcoming 2023 offseason.  The Commanders are undoubtedly building a large database of college prospects and possible free agents.  Like the other 31 teams in the league, the process of constructing a 2023 roster is well underway.

With a 7-5-1 record after thirteen games, the coaching staff is clearly focused on the next four games in the regular season, but some team officials and each scout are looking to the future.  After the 2022 season, playoffs or no playoffs, the coaching staff will quickly shift their focus to the offseason as well.  With that in mind, we turn our attention to the 2023 offseason for a day and take a look at some of these college prospects.

Welcome to Mock 6.0 as we take another look at potential draftees with this bi-monthly exercise.  In Mock 5.0, we introduced a philosophical shift from previous mock drafts and we continue that trend today.  Team needs tend to change constantly during each season and 2022 is no exception.  There is also a very radical trade today and two additional trades overall in Mock 6.0.  With all of that in mind, here is the bye week mock draft.

***Trade***

In a shocking move, the Commanders trade defensive end Chase Young on the opening day of free agency for a 2023 second-rounder and a fourth-rounder in 2024.

Round One

***Trade***

The Commanders trade down in the first round and they are able to acquire a third round selection and a sixth rounder as well.

Jaelyn Duncan, Offensive Tackle, Maryland

The Commanders take a local left tackle and land one of the best offensive linemen in the draft.  The offensive line should be a priority in the offseason, especially in the draft.  In such a scenario, current left tackle Charles Leno could shift to right tackle and Sam Cosmi would move to right guard – a position that seems to fit well with his skillsets.

Duncan is a versatile athlete and at 6-6, 320, he has the size and footwork to deal with speedy pass rushers.  Duncan is also solid as a lead blocker in the rushing offense.  He is a force at the second level and as a downfield blocker on screens, jet sweeps, and can pull as a lead blocker to either side.

Round Two

Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois

Trying to find an impactful cornerback in the second round is typically quite the challenge, but Devon Witherspoon can change that narrative heading into the draft.  The videos/tape of him are impressive, but there will be something of a learning curve.  Witherspoon is aggressive as a man corner and his speed allows him to stay with fast receivers and blitz to the quarterback quickly.  At 6-0, 180, Witherspoon may seem to be a bit undersized, but he can also play on the inside and is NFL-ready.

O’Cyrus Torrence, Offensive Guard, Florida

If Washington was a better team, a luxury pick at this juncture would be understandable.  However, the front office will have major needs on the offensive line and they are likely to move on from several of the guards, including starters Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell.  We have featured O’Cyrus Torrence in previous mocks and he fills a major need for the Burgundy and Gold.  Also, the Commanders could be active free agency participants for the inside offensive line market.