4 prospects Commanders could reach for at No. 16 in 2023 NFL Draft

Commanders could draft Darnell Wright

• Offensive Tackle | Tennessee Volunteers

Of all the reaches on this list, Darnell Wright is one of the more realistic. There seems to be a legitimate interest in the offensive tackle from the Washington Commanders’ side and his stock has been soaring throughout the pre-draft process to enter first-round consideration.

The Commanders solidified the right-hand side of their protection by signing Andrew Wylie in free agency. He’s expected to play right tackle, with Sam Cosmi or someone else slotting onto the interior depending on what the coaching staff feels.

Unless the Commanders feel comfortable putting Charles Leno Jr. on the blindside, then this could arguably be their top priority from No. 16 overall. Broderick Jones, Peter Skoronski, and Paris Johnson Jr. could be off the board by that point, so Wright is in that second-level batch that will come under the microscope.

Wright is vastly experienced and finished his college career at Tennessee on a high. He didn’t allow a sack in 2022 and boasts a unique blend of size and flexibility that makes him incredibly difficult to get around.

While the player could have some trouble with the more explosive edge rushers operating in the NFL East, the Commanders might see this as a risk worth taking for someone that started last season with an almost consensus third-round grade.