Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections as part of their preparations for the new campaign?
The Washington Commanders are about to embark on another offseason that is sure to be full of drama once again. All signs point to Dan Snyder selling the team if someone meets his asking price, which represents the dawning of a new era after so much turmoil under his leadership.
Considering all the off-field scandals that enveloped the Commanders in 2022, finishing 8-8-1 was a decent accomplishment. Even if it represented a sideways step in the second season with Ron Rivera at the helm.
Missing the playoffs was a blow, but the Commanders seem to be in a decent position this offseason. They can clear a significant amount of cap space to become players in free agency and those in power also have eight selections during the 2023 NFL Draft to further assist their cause.
This looks to be a pretty decent draft class overall. Especially in the mid-rounds, where Washington and others around the league could find themselves with some real gems if they find the right prospects.
Using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator, we took a look at which way the Commanders might go in the first five rounds. Something that could make a huge difference in their quest for a postseason return in 2023.
Commanders draft Joey Porter Jr.
- Cornerback | Penn State Nittany Lions
It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders need to find themselves an athletic cornerback this offseason. Someone with the potential to lock down one side of the field consistently.
This is something the Commanders lacked on occasion in 2022. Kendall Fuller played at a high level, but those around him didn’t meet expectations and their lack of production proved crucial in Washington becoming the only NFC East team to miss out on the playoffs.
Fortunately for the Commanders, there is an abundance of viable cornerback options emanating from the college ranks this year. If Joey Porter Jr. is still on the board at No. 16 overall, he could be Washington’s guy.
The son of four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter Sr. has all the tools needed to become a dominant presence in coverage. His size and length make him difficult to beat in press situations, with the player also boasting enough speed to track receivers downfield with relative comfort.
Another positive to Porter’s game is physicality. He gets right into wide receivers within the contact window and has the ball skills to create turnovers when opportunities arise.
Providing the Penn State product can progress his technique and impact against the run, his chances of carving out a prolific career for himself are high. Something the Commanders would be wise not to ignore.
Commanders draft John Michael Schmitz
- Center | Minnesota Golden Gophers
Finding assistance on the offensive line is another big need for the Washington Commanders this offseason. This bears more significance to the center position, which became a constant source of frustration in 2022.
Chase Roullier might have the talent and proven track record when it comes to NFL production. But the veteran has been seldom seen over the last two seasons and the Commanders could save a significant amount on their salary cap by releasing him after June 1 later this year.
Having stability at the center spot would also benefit Sam Howell or another quarterback during their transition to a starting role. Something the Commanders could address via the 2023 NFL Draft given the wealth of talent available.
In this scenario, Washington snaps up arguably the best center prospect in this year’s class at No. 47 overall. John Michael Schmitz is riding on the crest of a wave after a phenomenal final season at Minnesota, which was enhanced by a dominant Senior Bowl week that won’t have gone unnoticed by NFL scouts.
Schmitz’s nifty footwork and explosive power at the point of attack already look NFL-ready. His communication pre-snap is another standout feature of his game, as is the prospect’s pure dominance as a run blocker.
There’s every chance Schmitz will enter first-round consideration when the time comes. But if he’s still around by this point, the Commanders shouldn’t think twice.
Commanders draft Daiyan Henley
- Linebacker | Washington State Cougars
Jack Del Rio made a solid impression as defensive coordinator in 2022. The former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach is one of the league’s soundest minds in this key area of play, but he was let down by the offensive side of things and especially when it came to the quarterback position.
With that being said, fine-tuning this unit with some fresh faces could take them into a completely different stratosphere. Especially at the linebacker spot, which needs a dominant presence manning the interior capable of making plays consistently.
Although he’s still learning the linebacker position after switching to the defensive second level in college, the growth demonstrated by Daiyan Henley makes him an intriguing option. His athleticism is absolutely off the charts, which enables him to become a sideline-to-sideline presence capable of making plays in all three phases.
Henley is a force against the run, can rush the passer when required, and is also an asset in coverage after starting his football career as a wide receiver and defensive back.
The proof is in the production where Henley is concerned. He racked up 200 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, and five interceptions over his final two seasons at Washington State, so there’s every chance Del Rio can nurture his exceptional physical traits into an immediate contributor in this scenario.
Commanders draft Hendon Hooker
- Quarterback | Tennessee Volunteers
Ron Rivera recently stated that Sam Howell will go into OTAs atop the quarterback depth chart. However, the former North Carolina standout would be foolish to ignore the prospect of potential arrivals coming into the fold for competition.
There are a few veterans that could provide immediate assistance and solid depth in free agency. But after the Washington Commanders were burned by their trade for Carson Wentz, any move they make next must be the correct one.
Going down the draft route is another option to consider. Although more pressing needs in Round No. 1 mean they could examine those further down the pecking order as potential options.
One such individual is Hendon Hooker, who brings a ton of talent but could drop due to some red flags. The signal-caller looked like a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2022 before his campaign was cruelly cut short by injury, which is something teams will thoroughly examine before finalizing their draft board.
Another slight knock on Hooker is his age. The prospect is 25 years old -which is older than some current NFL starting quarterbacks – but considering how long those under center are playing these days, it doesn’t appear to be that concerning.
If Hooker does slide this far, the Commanders could pick him as a low-risk, high-reward option that gives them two rookie contracts to build around alongside Howell.
Commanders draft Nick Broeker
- Offensive Tackle | Ole Miss Rebels
As stated previously, the Washington Commanders need to bolster their offensive line in the coming months. This would be a tremendous boost for Sam Howell and should also provide more space for running back Brian Robinson Jr. to build on an impressive first season.
One or two starters are likely to remain. But the Commanders must also solidify depth options in case the worst happens on the injury front.
Even though Nick Broeker is inexperienced, the upside is there for all to see. He was given important responsibilities on the blindside at Ole Miss, which is something the player handled well despite the odd blip along the way.
Broeker has the athleticism and footwork to keep opposing rushers at bay. He’s a little rigid in his movements and hand placement also needs refinement, but this is a development project that could evolve into a starting option over time.
Teams are betting on traits at this stage of the draft. If Broeker takes on professional coaching and learns from some savvy veterans already on the Commanders, there’s a good chance he can progress much quicker than anticipated.
It’ll be fascinating to see how Washington approaches the 2023 NFL Draft – especially if a new owner comes into the fold. And their needs could obviously change depending on additions and subtractions during the free-agent frenzy next month.