Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections with the all-important Scouting Combine about to begin?
Influential figures within the Washington Commanders are currently in Indianapolis to examine the next batch of potential recruits emerging from the college ranks. The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most critical assessment dates on the calendar, which will go a long way to determining where certain prospects end up in the pecking order during the all-important selection event.
The Commanders are in an excellent position to strengthen their roster this offseason. They can free up some significant salary-cap space and have eight selections during the draft to improve their depth and find pieces that can come in and make an immediate impression.
There is an enormous amount at stake for head coach Ron Rivera in 2023. The Commanders cannot afford to regress with the prospect of new ownership coming into the fold, which appears likelier than ever following the latest concerning allegations surrounding Dan Snyder that were revealed earlier this week.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out where Washington needs help. Although their needs are probably going to alter depending on which veterans can be landed when the free-agent frenzy begins later this month.
With that being said, we took a look at which way the Commanders might go with their picks currently using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator.
Commanders draft Paris Johnson Jr.
- Offensive Tackle | Ohio State Buckeyes
Fixing the trenches on offense is something that should be high on the list of priorities. Although quarterback Carson Wentz was inconsistent at best, no quarterback was aided by an offensive line that lacked cohesion and consistency almost from start to finish in 2022.
Fortunately for the Washington Commanders, they have a chance to completely renovate this critical area of the field in the coming weeks. Adding a veteran or two in free agency wouldn’t hurt, but finding a franchise left tackle via the draft is something else to consider with so many quarterback-needy teams in the top 10.
If Paris Johnson Jr. is still available at No. 16 overall, he could be the guy. The former Ohio State standout is arguably the best edge protector entering the NFL this year, which is thanks to his unique blend of size, athleticism, and power to keep opposing rushers at bay.
The former five-star high school recruit leads from the front, is highly intelligent, and plays with ruthless aggression that’s hard not to love. Johnson is equally adept in running or passing situations, which is matched by eye-catching athleticism and quick-twitch capabilities.
Johnson has just one season of experience as a tackle, so there could be even more to come from the player once he receives NFL-caliber coaching. Something that could propel him into a Day 1 starter with a quick transition.
Commanders draft Darnell Washington
- Tight End | Georgia Bulldogs
Eric Bieniemy’s arrival brings a significant amount of intrigue. The former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator left the Super Bowl champions to get full control of an offense for the first time, which could be the final stumbling block in pursuit of becoming an NFL head coach in 2024 or beyond.
What’s important for the Washington Commanders is helping Bieniemy in whatever way they can to maximize his time with the organization. Considering the type of offense he plans to implement, acquiring another tight end should be considered despite the presence of Logan Thomas, John Bates, and Cole Turner on the roster.
Darnell Washington ticks all the boxes athletically, that’s for sure. The 6-foot-7 powerhouse could be a dominant figure once he gets fully acclimatized to the NFL, boasting the wing span and physicality normally associated with productive pass-catchers at the next level.
Even though Washington played second-fiddle to Brock Bowers at Georgia, he managed to make the most of whatever targets came his way. The prospect is also an NFL-ready blocker thanks to his explosive power and agility.
If the Commanders and Bieniemy, in particular, feel like more is needed at the tight-end position, Washington should be on the shortlist. Whether he’ll be around at this stage once he excels at the NFL Scouting Combine is another matter.
Commanders draft Jack Campbell
- Linebacker | Iowa Hawkeyes
Adding to the linebacker room is something else that can help the Washington Commanders this offseason. Jack Del Rio’s defense was a force to be reckoned with in 2022, forcing the second-most three-and-outs while generating significant pressure despite missing defensive end Chase Young for a large portion of the campaign.
Getting another difference-maker at the second level would be highly beneficial. And looking at the way Del Rio deploys his defense, Jack Campbell might be a possibility if he makes it this far down the pecking order.
Campbell’s transition from the tight end position went seamlessly. He was a tackling machine during his final two seasons at Iowa, demonstrating a violent nature that often stopped oncoming runners dead in their tracks in an eye-catching fashion.
The prospect has a sideline-to-sideline presence that NFL teams always covet. Campbell’s emergence as a leader is also encouraging, with his ability to read things pre-snap something else that shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Providing his coverage skills improve and there’s more added to the way he anticipates certain aspects of playing the position, Campbell could thrive immediately. And the Commanders could do far worse than go in this direction on Day 2.
Commanders draft Julius Brents
- Cornerback | Kansas State Wildcats
Perhaps the most important area that must be filled on defense centers on the cornerback position. While Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste are serviceable, the Washington Commanders need a physical defensive back with the potential to shut down one side of the field over time.
Julius Brents might not be able to attain such feats as a rookie. But his size and length make him a potential key rotational piece that can progress into a productive starter with further refinement.
Brents came of age for Kansas State in 2022 and backed this up with an outstanding week at the 2023 Senior Bowl. He has every intangible normally associated with modern-day cornerbacks and at 6-foot-4, moves incredibly well for a bigger player at the position.
The prospect has enough straight-line speed to go downfield with receivers and reacts well when they get out of their routes. Brents has the aggressiveness to thrive in press coverage, even if this might be more difficult upon arriving in the pros, and his ability to assist on running downs is something that already looks ready for the next level.
There is some development needed, particularly from a footwork standpoint. But if the Commanders manage to secure a veteran cornerback in free agency, this becomes a viable option with long-term upside.
Commanders draft Jarrett Patterson
- Center | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
As stated previously, finding solutions on the offensive line is extremely important for the Washington Commanders. Whether it’s Sam Howell or someone else under center, Eric Bieniemy cannot afford suspect protection getting in the way of silencing some doubters who question whether or not he can effectively run an offense without Andy Reid overseeing matters.
Looking at the current state of affairs, finding a reliable center is almost guaranteed. Chase Roullier is solid enough, but the player has had a hard time staying healthy over the last two seasons and could be a post-June 1 cut candidate given the $8 million in savings involved.
If the Commanders want a little more bang for their buck, then this is a good draft class to find someone. Jarrett Patterson is among the best looking at his overall body of work in college, which is thanks to his communication of pre-snap reads and ability to soundly understand blocking angles depending on any specific play call.
Patterson has room for growth as a player. But the athletic attributes indicate more improvement is on the way provided he’s given time to learn what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
The biggest knock on the one-time Notre Dame standout is a rawness in pass protection. However, Patterson has enough to make him a versatile rotational piece that could start quickly if he takes on coaching.
Commanders draft Brenton Cox Jr.
- Defensive End/Outside Linebacker | Florida Gators
No team can ever have enough quality pass-rushers. The Washington Commanders are blessed with more than most after some significant draft investments in recent years, but adding another is almost essential considering how much Chase Young has struggled with injuries since an outstanding rookie campaign.
Young will look to bounce back next season whether the Commanders pick up his fifth-year option or not. If the same complications emerge, Washington needs another explosive presence that can cause havoc alongside some dominant veterans already on the roster.
Brenton Cox Jr. is an intriguing prospect at this stage of the draft. The Florida product is technically sound and has the heavy hands needed to overcome blocks with great success.
Despite playing just eight times for the Gators in 2022, Cox left his mark and made notable strides against the run. His explosiveness wouldn’t be in the elite category by any stretch, but there is enough to suggest he can become a strong depth presence behind Washington’s projected starting edge tandem of Young and Montez Sweat.
This stage of the draft is all about finding diamonds in the rough. Cox could be just that.
Commanders draft Jaxson Kirkland
- Offensive Line | Washington Huskies
The story surrounding Jaxson Kirkland is unfortunate. There were many analysts that projected the offensive lineman as a potential first-round pick last year, but a serious injury forced him to miss the entire 2021 campaign and with no option other than to skip the draft as a result.
This was a major blow for Kirkland, who seems to have lost some of the athletic traits that made him such a highly-regarded prospect once upon a time. The player did get through 10 games last season with minimal fuss, but the red flags are now there for all to see.
The Washington Commanders need a complete makeover on the offensive line, as previously stated. Providing the right reinforcements come into the building beforehand, adding Kirkland and allowing him to develop at his own pace could be worth its weight in gold.
Kirkland is a highly competitive individual with a mean streak that will go down well with scouts. The Washington product needs to add some mass to his imposing 6-foot-7 frame, but his versatility to play either tackle or on the interior is something that only enhances the player’s stock heading into the assessment process.
If the medical checks are satisfactory, this could be a high-risk, high-reward pickup by the Commanders. One that could provide them with a long-term depth piece at the very worst.
Commanders draft Keondre Coburn
- Defensive Tackle | Texas Longhorns
Even though the Washington Commanders rightfully placed the franchise tag on Daron Payne, there will be a sense of nervousness among fans until a long-term deal is agreed upon. The team does have Phidarian Mathis coming back from injury, but adding another depth piece at the defensive tackle position once other needs are secured late in the draft is a nice luxury to have.
If this scenario comes to fruition, the Commanders could do far worse than Keondre Coburn. The former Texas standout is a formidable man to look at and despite being a little undersized for the interior, has no trouble making an impression in almost every phase.
Coburn is aggressive against the run and is hard to shift off the block thanks to his thick lower frame. He is a savvy pass-rusher when opportunities arise, but there’s no telling for sure how effective he’ll be against bigger, more imposing NFL offensive linemen.
This is a shot in the dark for Washington. Coburn does have some qualities, but whether this is best suited to the way Jack Del Rio runs things is the million-dollar question.
Even so, the Commanders wouldn’t ask a great deal from Coburn over the first two seasons unless injury strikes. So this is a flier worth taking to find out whether his specific skills can make a successful transition to the professional ranks.