Molding the perfect Commanders NFL Draft strategy in 2023

How the Commanders should approach 2023 draft

The Washington Commanders seem pretty well stocked at wide receiver with Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson. But the three guys after them – Cam Sims, Dyami Brown, and Dax Milne – have been marginal players thus far.

They show a flash here and there, but do any of them really concern defenses around the NFL? Probably not.

Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson form the best running back tandem the Commanders have had in quite some time. They have serviceable players like Jonathan Williams and Jaret Patterson behind them. But with JD McKissic’s health in doubt, they lack an explosive pass catcher out of the backfield.

So here’s my new draft strategy. I’m still looking at a cornerback or an offensive lineman in Round 1, and perhaps Round 2 – they should be the biggest needs depending on what happens in free agency.

I’m still seriously considering trading back. But if a very fast wide receiver or speedy pass-catching running back falls to Rounds 3-7, I’m taking him.

I’m taking him ahead of a second lineman, tight end, or linebacker. If Oklahoma’s Marvin Mims is there in Round 3, I’m taking him. If concerns about Cincinnati’s Tyler Scott’s size cause him to fall into the later rounds, I’m taking him. If no one else wants a 5-foot-6, 175-pound running back by Round 6, I’m getting McKissic’s replacement in Deuce Vaughn.

Simply put, Washington has to come out of this draft with at least one, and more likely two, very fast playmakers on offense. Either Sam Howell – or some as-yet-to-be-determined quarterback – will thank me.