Which NFL Draft prospects are emerging as early contenders to become the Washington Commanders’ first-round selection in 2023?
It’s been a relatively quiet start to the offseason where the Washington Commanders are concerned. The search for a new offensive coordinator goes on, but speculation is already mounting about what reinforcements can be acquired as the team looks to keep pace with other improving outfits within the NFC East.
The fact Washington finished last in the division with an 8-8-1 record shows how difficult it might be next season if those in power don’t get some key decisions right. There could be a significant amount to spend in free agency once sacrifices are made, with the Commanders also boasting eight selections in the 2023 NFL Draft to further assist their cause.
Ron Rivera has been around the game a long time, so he’ll know what more is needed. The pressure is also on general manager Martin Mayhew to put the necessary pieces in place before OTAs begin.
With this in mind, here are four early contenders to become the Commanders’ first-round selection in 2023.
Prospect No. 1
Washington Commanders could draft O’Cyrus Torrence
- Offensive Line | Florida Gators
It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders need help on their offensive line interior. Brandon Scherff’s departure to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 free agency left a gaping hole, so addressing the situation early would be the best way to prevent this riddle from getting out of hand.
O’Cyrus Torrence is arguably the best guard in this year’s class. His unique blend of size, strength, and athleticism make him a significant obstacle to overcome, with the player’s exceptional Senior Bowl week boosting his stock further ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine.
Washington Commanders could draft Broderick Jones
- Offensive Tackle | Georgia Bulldogs
It’s not just on the offensive line interior where the Washington Commanders need improvements. Finding a premier tackle to protect the quarterback is another option the organization should consider this spring.
Finding productive veterans on the free-agent market isn’t the cheapest way to go about things. That means identifying a college prospect that can assist right out of the gate would be prudent.
Broderick Jones ticks all the boxes and then some. The former Georgia standout was nothing short of exceptional during his final college campaign, playing a leading role in the Bulldogs securing yet another national championship in convincing fashion.
Jones is an absolute mauler in the run game with NFL-ready length to keep opposing rushers under wraps with ease. Things will obviously become more difficult at the next level, but there’s nothing to suggest he cannot become a Day 1 starter providing his transition goes according to plan.
Even though there is some slight refinement needed to his technique in pass protection, the scope for improvement is there for all to see. If Jones is still around when the Commanders are on the clock at No. 16 overall, don’t be surprised if he’s the guy.
Washington Commanders could draft Christian Gonzalez
- Cornerback | Oregon Ducks
The NFC East has an abundance of elite pass-catchers capable of taking over any game at the drop of a hat. Something the Washington Commanders also have with Terry McLaurin, who overcame the team’s ongoing quarterback issues to put together another stellar campaign in 2022.
Defending the pass was something the Commanders did effectively last season, giving up just 191.3 passing yards per game. However, they cannot afford to stand still given how much their divisional rivals could also improve before competitive action commences once again.
Adding a big-bodied cornerback early in the 2023 NFL Draft might be something to consider if Washington avoids the temptation to select a quarterback. Christian Gonzalez fits the bill and is well worth the Commanders’ time during the all-important assessment process.
Gonzalez came of age at Oregon last season to emerge as one of the brightest young defensive backs in the country. He has the necessary speed to track receivers downfield and possesses the natural instincts needed to create turnovers when opportunities arise.
The prospect has no trouble getting physical in press coverage thanks to his 6-foot-2 frame. Gonzalez should also test exceptionally well at the NFL Scouting Combine with blazing speed and eye-catching agility.
Washington Commanders could draft Anthony Richardson
- Quarterback | Florida Gators
After their trade to acquire Carson Wentz went horribly wrong, the Washington Commanders must get their next move right under center. If they don’t, it’s likely to come with grave ramifications for head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew.
Sam Howell demonstrated enough qualities to at least compete for the starting job in 2023. Wentz is unlikely to be around, so whether the Commanders explore the draft or go down the veteran route remains to be seen.
If they opt for a longer-term solution, then Anthony Richardson is an obvious name to watch. The Florida product is raw, but he could have the biggest upside of any signal-caller emerging from the college ranks this year.
Richardson’s athleticism is absolutely extraordinary and key areas such as pocket presence came on as the season progressed. This represents the sort of dual-threat quarterback Rivera had plenty of success with during his time on the Carolina Panthers after selecting Cam Newton in 2011.
While it’s unfair to compare Richardson to Newton, the similarities are obvious. Asking the incoming prospect to start immediately might be pushing things, although his encouraging trajectory indicates that he might be ready to assume command sooner than many analysts envisage.
If the Commanders identify Richardson as their top option, they might have to move up. Whether that’s a risk worth taking or not is up to the front office.