Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft 10.0: Trading Daron Payne

Which way could the Commanders go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections if they decided to acquire extra capital by trading Daron Payne?

A quick look at the calendar on your refrigerator reminds you that the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City is coming next month. The college all-star games are in the history books and each of the prospects had one final opportunity to impress NFL teams on the playing field.

The Washington Commanders coaches and front office are looking to fill three major needs in the draft.

The NFL Scouting Combine is over as players endeavored to impress NFL teams with their skill sets and knowledge of the game in interviews. Pro Days are just around the corner and the top 30 meetings begin very soon.

Welcome to Mock 10.0 and our latest look at college prospects. With the hiring of new assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy from the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, the offense suddenly becomes a major focal point in the offseason.

This mock draft will reflect that change.

Washington placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Daron Payne recently and it gives the front office several options. First, he can play with the tag in place for 2023. Second, the team has the option to work out a long-term deal. Finally, Washington can negotiate a trade for Payne.

Commanders trade Daron Payne to the Cincinnati Bengals

The deal is for Cincinnati’s first-round pick in the draft and a fourth-round selection in 2024. The Bengals understand that the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be a factor in the AFC for many years as they add a sack specialist.

With two first-round picks for the Commanders, let’s jump right to Mock 10.0.