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

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.