What could the Washington Commanders have their eye on during the 2023 NFL Draft based on their early moves in free agency?
After a busy few days to kick off free agency, the Washington Commanders are molding a decent-looking roster for the 2023 season. There is some hard work ahead, but Ron Rivera and his staff have made some good signings so far with the promise of more to come.
It hasn’t been jaw-dropping in terms of overall spending. But the Commanders have strengthened problem position groups, improved depth, and got themselves one or two veterans that look capable of further improvements moving forward.
Rivera recently stated his desire to fill holes with free agents to provide additional flexibility during the 2023 NFL Draft. Much will depend on what transpires in the coming weeks, but the picture is becoming clearer.
With this in mind, here are four draft needs for the Commanders based on their early activity in 2023 free agency.
Draft Need No. 1
Commanders need a pass-catching RB
After opting to release J.D. McKissic with a failed injury designation, the Washington Commanders could add another running back during the draft. One that thrives in the passing game to complement what Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson bring to the table.
Eric Bieniemy will demand this for his scheme to flourish. And there could be some value on Day 2 or 3 if the Commanders avoid the temptation of drafting Bijan Robinson at No. 16 overall.
Someone like Tyjae Spears would be ideal. But with his stock soaring, it might need to be a second or third-round pick to bring him on board.
Commanders need a physical CB
The Washington Commanders wasted no time in picking up Cameron Dantzler Sr. after he was waived by the Minnesota Vikings. This could be a potential starter if the cornerback returns to the form he displayed over the first two years of his professional career.
Washington now has Kendall Fuller, Dantzler, and Benjamin St-Juste as their options. However, the need for a physical cornerback presence remains given the pass-first mentality of modern-day NFL offenses.
Fortunately for the Commanders, there are a number of instant problem-solvers in this regard coming from the college ranks this year. The class does look a little top-heavy, so taking one at No. 16 overall or in the second round is the best course of action.
Adding someone like Christian Gonzalez, Joey Porter Jr., or Cam Smith to Washington’s secondary might be enough to get them over the hump. If they wait until the second round, then Emmanuel Forbes and Garrett Williams represent outstanding prospects capable of thriving at the next level.
It would be a surprise if the Commanders added another veteran through free agency after claiming Dantzler. Even if the financial commitment isn’t steep whatsoever where the former Mississippi State stud is concerned.
Commanders need an explosive TE
Based on how the Washington Commanders have ignored the position early in free agency, they might be happy with their tight-end options after all. Something that cannot be completely dismissed given their potential for improvements with Eric Bieniemy leading the offense.
That sounds nice, but there has been a complete lack of consistency at the tight-end spot in recent years. And make no mistake, this is not the sort of draft class to ignore.
This year’s batch of tight ends is deep. One could make a strong case for eight or nine becoming productive starters at the NFL level over time, which is why the Commanders should do their due diligence and strike with conviction if they are taken by one particular prospect.
At the top end, players like Michael Mayer, Darnell Washington, Dalton Kincaid, and Luke Musgrave are generating buzz. Some lower down the pecking order such as Sam LaPorta, Tucker Kraft, and Josh Whyle could also come into the discussion.
It’s a good spot for the Commanders to be in. Logan Thomas, John Bates, and Cole Turner will get their chance to impress Bieniemy, but the aforementioned trio should also be expecting further competition for their respective places when the all-important draft selection process finally gets underway.
Commanders need a franchise LT
It didn’t take long for the Washington Commanders to begin their offensive line makeover once the legal tampering period began. The moves weren’t jaw-dropping by any stretch, but Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie provide versatility and genuine starting experience that should help in 2023.
However, there is one glaring thing missing.
A franchise left tackle.
Charles Leno Jr. is a capable swing presence. But for the Commanders’ offense to take that next leap under Eric Bieniemy, they need a blindside protector to build around for the next decade.
This is something they’ve been devoid of since the Trent Williams trade. And to be honest, it’s something that cannot go on for much long no matter if it’s Jacoby Brissett or Sam Howell manning things under center.
Washington has officially run out of decent options on the open market. Therefore, spending one of their first two selections in the 2023 NFL Draft on a promising left tackle looks like a foregone conclusion at this juncture.
Anything else is borderline malpractice and could lead to the same complications as fans witnessed in 2022. All it takes is one weak link on the protection to throw plans into tatters, which the Commanders cannot afford with so much on the line for Ron Rivera next season.