2023 Mock Draft 6.0: Commanders select local star to solidify OL
Round Three
Tucker Kraft, Tight End, South Dakota State
It may seem superfluous for the Commanders to select a tight end this early in the draft, but Logan Thomas continues to lag far behind his 2020 production and Cole Turner has been dealing with injuries for most of this season. Armani Rodgers is a prospect with potential and his role could increase in 2023. John Bates is primarily a blocking tight end and is limited as a receiver. Curtis Hodges is still unproven and something of a longshot to make the team in 2023.
Tucker Kraft has the size (6-5, 255) that the Rivera regime likes in a tight end. He is a solid receiver and has steadily improved as a blocker in 2022. The Jackrabbits had him playing close to the tackles and in the slot at times. Kraft will need a bit of time to fit in Scott Turner’s offense, but he could begin to have something of an impact in the latter half of his rookie season.
💪🏻 TE Tucker Kraft is THE prospect to develop.
— Valentin (@ScoutValentin) December 5, 2022
He can catch and he can block !
Good technique as a blocker, his hands are inside, good punch and good effort.
Really good ball-tracking ability and good hands, he can moves the chains !
He is in my top 5 TE on the draft. pic.twitter.com/3EqnDOqYhI
Andre Carter II, Defensive End, Army (Compensatory Pick)
Andre Carter II (no relation to former Commander Andre Carter) is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2023 draft. His size is similar (6-7, 260) is similar to Montez Sweat and Chase Young and the young cadet can run a 4.7 40. He is a former receiver and still learning the game of football.
Carter was in concussion protocol for several games this season, but he did record an eye-opening 15.5 sacks in 2021. His potential is unlimited. Within a year or two, Carter could become one of the best edge rushers/defensive ends from the 2023 draft class. That is not an exaggeration. He is a bit raw, but tends to learn quickly and that is likely to happen at the next level as well. Carter can be in the offensive backfield in an instant or quickly flare to the outside to snuff out screens and sweeps. Also, his military service would be deferred until his NFL career is over (typically in a civilian post for five years). How do you like him now?
Round Four
Jalen Graham, Linebacker/Safety, Purdue
Adding depth at strong safety and linebacker should be a priority heading into the offseason. If you can find talent that combines both positions into one player, you make that move without hesitation. Kamren Curl has combined the skillsets of a strong safety and linebacker. He has become one of the best defenders in the league after being selected in the seventh round of the 2020 draft. Adding depth behind Curl could be a good option in 2023. How about drafting a player that is a lot like Curl. How about Jalen Graham of Purdue? Here is what we said about Graham in Mock 5.0.
"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."