4 potential Commanders targets that blew up the 2023 NFL Combine
By Dean Jones
Commanders could draft Christian Gonzalez
- Cornerback | Oregon Ducks
One of the key areas that the Washington Commanders must solidify this offseason centers on acquiring a shutdown cornerback. Someone with the scope to lock down one side of the field and make things easier for others across the secondary.
Finding a free agent that can do this won’t be cheap. Therefore, targeting a gifted prospect emerging from the college ranks provides financial flexibility and a long-term solution to what’s become an ongoing problem.
Considering the number of quarterback-needy teams in the top 10, there should be a few premium cornerbacks there for the taking. Christian Gonzalez is arguably the best coming out of college this year, with the player enhancing his ever-growing stock at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Gonzalez put on a clinic in almost every testing aspect. He was fast, agile, and fluid, which is exactly what teams want in any cornerback in today’s pass-happy environment.
The former Oregon stud reportedly met with the Commanders. But there’s a strong chance he could be off the board by No. 16 overall given Gonzalez’s recent positive momentum.
A sterling showcase of what he could bring to the next level only heightens the demand surrounding Gonzalez. So they’ll need a good stroke of good fortune unless a trade-up scenario emerges.