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.

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.

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."

Round Five

Shane Lee, Linebacker, Southern California

Linebacker depth is sorely needed and we are operating under the assumption that the Commanders will re-sign Cole Holcomb Cole Holcomb.  Also, don’t be surprised if the front office adds a veteran linebacker when free agency opens.  They are likely to move on from David Mayo, Jon Bostic, De’Jon Harris, and possibly Khaleke Hudson.  Milo Eifler has potential, but he will need to shine in OTAs, mini-camp, training camp, and the preseason.

That leaves plenty of room for a free agent linebacker and a draft pick or two as well.  Shane Lee from Southern Cal is a solid prospect.  He is good in coverage, a sure tackler, forces turnovers (fumbles and interceptions), plugs gaps effectively, and can register sacks as needed.  He spent three years with Alabama and had solid production in a crowded linebacker room during his time in Tuscaloosa.  Ideally, Lee will be a depth pick and then work his way into the lineup as a reliable rotational player.  In time, he can also be a starter if and when injuries occur as we have seen with Holcomb.

***Trade***

The Commanders trade two of their sixth round selections and move back into round five.  They will still keep their sixth round compensatory draft choice.

Lance Boykin, Cornerback, Coastal Carolina

We have featured Lance Boykin in recent mocks and return once again to feature him in this round.  His skillsets are similar to Seahawks rookie cornerback Tariq Woolen – a player chosen in the fifth round of the 2022 draft and a solid choice for defensive rookie of the year honors.  Boykin has produced for the Chanticleers this season – 46 tackles, 8 passes defensed, 2 interceptions, 2 tackles for lost yardage, and a sack.

Round Six (Compensatory Pick)

Ricky Stromberg, Center, Arkansas

How many centers have started for the Commanders this year?  How about last year?  Here is a hint – you need more than one hand.  Injuries are a given in the NFL, but Washington seems to have a lot of rotten luck with keeping their centers healthy.  Don’t be surprised if they draft a center in the latter rounds this coming April.

We have featured Ricky Stromberg of Arkansas before and he is a solid late round prospect.  Adding him will strictly be for depth, but he could become a dependable backup within a year or two.  Too, we can’t rule out the possibility of the front office signing a free agent center in a few months.

Round Seven

Mekhi Garner, Safety/Cornerback, Louisiana State

Let’s get the nuances of this cornerback/safety out of the way quickly and talk about what he can really bring to the team.  Mekhi Garner is a solid player for LSU and while he would bring decent skills as a corner and safety to the Commanders, his potential is elsewhere on the roster.  So, why should he be on the team’s radar?  The answer is simple – special teams.  Having another special teams gunner around is always a positive.

Garner transferred from Louisiana-Lafayette for his final season.  His fit for an NFL team will be as a gunner.  He has the size, speed, and abilities to be a special teams standout.  Garner is a solid tackler and can create turnovers with wicked hits on kickoffs and punts.  Garner would also be a powerful blocker on returns.

We will continue to research the prospects and bring you many more mock drafts this winter and spring.  Mock 7.0 will arrive just before Christmas.  See you as we go along.