4 major Commanders observations from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

What were some major observations to take from the Washington Commanders’ viewpoint at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine?

After a busy week of assessments and discussions at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, the Washington Commanders have food for thought as evaluations gather pace in the coming weeks. Much has been made of the benefit of events such as this, but a strong contingent attended nonetheless to examine the next batch of college recruits for themselves on and off the field.

Everything is seemingly on the table for Washington currently. Some glaring needs across their roster stand out more than most, but there’s every chance this could change depending on how the Commanders approach one of the more crucial free agency periods in recent memory.

There is a chance for real progression in Year 4 of Ron Rivera’s reign. But it could all go horribly wrong unless the right recruits come into the building before competitive action arrives.

Without further ado, here are four major Commanders’ observations from the Indianapolis showcase in 2023.

Major Observation No. 1

Commanders must not ignore TE class

Even though the Washington Commanders seem happy with their current tight-end options, ignoring such a strong class would be foolish. A number of prospects look capable of making an immediate impression in the right fit, which is something that would no doubt assist Sam Howell or another option at quarterback next season.

The Commanders reportedly met with Darnell Washington, who was a class above any other tight end hopeful during testing and drills. Taking him at No. 16 overall would be a major reach, but the former Georgia star could be long gone by the second round with this extra momentum.

Eric Bieniemy’s presence at OL and RB testing is significant

The Washington Commanders pulled off a substantial coup when Eric Bieniemy left the Kansas City Chiefs in pursuit of a new challenge. Getting full offensive control and a leading voice in personnel was enough to convince the respected figure to join Ron Rivera’s project, which could be the final hurdle to becoming an NFL head coach if everything goes well.

Bieniemy has wasted no time revamping the coaches working under him. His presence at the NFL Scouting Combine to cast his eye on the offensive linemen and running backs was also significant all things considered.

It’s pretty obvious that the Commanders need significant reinforcements across their protection. Bieniemy’s presence at the session all but confirmed how big of a priority it is, although much is dependent on how those in power address the positional group throughout the free agency period.

This is another talented batch of running backs and the Commanders could need another force to put alongside Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson. This bears more significance on the pass-catching side of things, which Bieniemy is expected to deploy heavily within a scheme that enables quarterbacks to get the football out quickly and into the hands of playmakers.

Bieniemy was front and center on Sunday, which didn’t go unnoticed. Whether this amounts to anything else is up for debate, but it certainly indicates either position is a viable option during the 2023 NFL Draft.

Commanders can find their shutdown CB

Another area that the Washington Commanders need to focus on at some stage this offseason is cornerback. Adding a shutdown presence is absolutely essential, which would complement the skills Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste bring to the table in 2023.

Acquiring productive cornerbacks in free agency isn’t normally the most cost-effective way to go about things. Fortunately for the Commanders, there is an abundance of talent emerging from the college ranks that should be heavily coveted.

Most top corners put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine. Christian Gonzalez was the undoubted standout, but others such as Emmanuel Forbes also demonstrated their exceptional athletic attributes to further heighten intrigue at an important stage of the assessment process.

Again, this is a fluid situation that will alter depending on what happens during the free-agent frenzy. But the week in Indianapolis did nothing to dispel the notion that Washington should select a corner within the first two rounds.

If Gonzalez was somehow around at No. 16 overall, it’s a no-brainer. Forbes could also now enter first-round consideration and Joey Porter Jr. is another that’s gained a lofty reputation throughout a glittering college career at Penn State.

There is an embarrassment of riches at the top end of this cornerback class. Something the Commanders would be wise not to waste.

Commanders have no shot at top-four QB prospects

Sam Howell looks ready for the upcoming challenge. But the Washington Commanders will leave no stone unturned in their quest to find the right quarterback to mentor or provide competition for the second-year-pro in 2023.

Ron Rivera didn’t fully commit himself to Howell during his NFL Scouting Combine media availability. Something that filed the fire that Washington might look elsewhere if Howell fails to maximize an exceptional opportunity to become the team’s starting option under center.

If the Commanders were planning on taking one of the consensus top-four quarterback prospects in 2023, that possibility has gone from a pipedream to absolutely out of the question. This is thanks in no small part to some dazzling performances from the likes of C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and to a lesser extent, Will Levis.

Richardson, in particular, was nothing short of jaw-dropping en route to some record-breaking numbers. Something that almost guarantees one team is going to gamble on his phenomenal upside in the top 10 or even the top five given the potential for frenzied trade activity early on.

Unless the Commanders are willing to cough up a ridiculous trade package to involve themselves, they should plan for alternatives. Free agency is the most likely scenario, but the ongoing developments surrounding Lamar Jackson could completely alter the team’s thought process depending on how it plays out.