Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections after a busy first week of free agency for the franchise?
It’s been an active week for the Washington Commanders and others around the league as the free-agent frenzy began in earnest. While there weren’t any big splashes as expected from Ron Rivera and his staff, they did a good job of filling key needs and enhancing depth ahead of a crucial campaign for the franchise in 2023.
Obviously, more is needed before the Commanders take the field for their season opener. Some glaring needs remain, which can be addressed by the next batch of college recruits via the 2023 NFL Draft next month.
Washington has eight selections currently, so this puts them in a strong position. A few more signings in the coming weeks would give those in power a little extra freedom when the draft weekend arrives, but there isn’t much money freely available unless further contract restructures take place.
With the potential for new ownership in the near future, Rivera has no margin for error. Anything less than significant improvements next season would leave his job security hanging by a thread, but nailing the draft would go a long way to improving this possibility within a highly competitive NFC East.
Using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator, we took a look at which way the Commanders might go with their picks in our latest seven-round mock.
Commanders draft Broderick Jones
- Offensive Tackle | Georgia Bulldogs
The Washington Commanders have done a nice job of reinforcing the offensive line so far. Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie should be immediate contributors from a starting capacity, with Tyler Larsen also extended on a team-friendly deal to provide cover in case injury strikes.
It looks as if the Commanders have focused their free-agent attention on the right-hand side of their protection. Unless they are 100 percent convinced in Charles Leno Jr., then finding a franchise left tackle via the 2023 NFL Draft is of critical importance.
There should be an option or two available at No. 16 overall considering the expected early run on quarterbacks and defensive linemen. That works in Washington’s favor – especially if someone like Broderick Jones is on the board.
Jones enjoyed a phenomenal final season with the national champion Georgia Bulldogs and looks set to be a Day 1 starter in the NFL. His athleticism, length, and functional strength stand out considerably on film, and the prospect should have a smooth transition to the pros given his recent career upturn.
It promises to be a crash course for Jones going up against the Commanders’ formidable defensive front every day at practice. But this will enhance his chances of making a go of things immediately, which Washington desperately needs.
Commanders draft Emmanuel Forbes
- Cornerback | Mississippi State Bulldogs
In this scenario, Christian Gonzalez, Kelee Ringo, and Joey Porter Jr. were all off the board by No. 16 overall. Finding a premier left tackle took priority over taking Devon Witherspoon, so going a little bolder for a potential shutdown cornerback might come into play for the Washington Commanders.
With top-end options dwindling, trading up for Emmanuel Forbes was the play. Something that cost a mid-rounder plus a third-round selection in 2023 in addition to their No. 47 overall selection.
This isn’t an astronomical sum to give up. Especially if Forbes manages to hit the ground running with an athletic profile that’s incredibly impressive.
Forbes has the size, length, and athleticism normally associated with the modern-day cornerback. His reactions are first-class and although the player’s run support needs work, there is a lot to like about his chance of becoming a true No. 1 option at the next level.
It’s obviously a risk. But the Commanders have a need to fill and won’t want to be left without if they end up focusing on their offensive line at No. 16 overall.
The former Mississippi State star is gaining momentum at just the right time. So it’s an option that must not be ignored by Washington’s primary decision-makers.
Commanders draft Sam LaPorta
- Tight End | Iowa Hawkeyes
Even though the Washington Commanders seem content to go with what they have at the tight end position, that could all change during the 2023 NFL Draft. This is an exceptional class with numerous individuals that could become productive pros, so it’s an opportunity the franchise might find difficult to ignore when push comes to shove.
If Sam LaPorta is still around by the time Washington goes on the clock at No. 97 overall, a discussion must be had. The former three-star high school recruit is among the most reliable pass-catching tight ends in this year’s class, which is matched by an exceptional route tree that already looks NFL-ready.
LaPorta is an intelligent player that knows how to get open and use leverage to his advantage. This makes him a threat in red-zone situations and could be Sam Howell’s best friend in no time at all.
The former Iowa star is primarily a pass-catcher. Any team that wants him to assist in blocking immediately will be extremely disappointed as this is an area of his game that needs significant work.
With that being said, the Commanders have John Bates for that. This makes LaPorta an intriguing option that would enable Washington to move on from Logan Thomas unless there is a major upturn in production next season.
Commanders draft Chase Brown
- Running Back | Illinois Fighting Illi
Eric Bieniemy’s arrival brings a level of offensive expectation not seen with the Washington Commanders for some time. He’s already made his mark in terms of personnel, which could be further enhanced during the draft by players that fit within his new, improved system.
The Commanders took the difficult decision to release J.D. McKissic with a failed physical destination earlier this week. They do have Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson to shoulder the load, but adding another dynamic presence wouldn’t hurt once other key needs are met.
A prospect like Chase Brown would fit the bill. He might not be the flashiest running back that’s ever emerged from the college ranks, but his professionalism and work ethic make him a potentially high-value selection at this juncture.
Brown shows a great initial burst and waits for holes to develop patiently. He sees the field well with excellent vision and has the functional strength to absorb contact and keep his legs moving.
The former Illinois standout wasn’t utilized much in the passing game, which is concerning. There is also some work ahead from a pass protection standpoint in pursuit of carving out a role for himself.
With that being said, there wouldn’t be any immediate pressure for Brown to generate substantial carries immediately. Developing at his own pace and learning from top performers like Robinson and Gibson would be invaluable for his growth.
Commanders draft Ricky Stromberg
- Offensive Line | Arkansas Razorbacks
As stated previously, the offensive line got two solid veterans in the form of Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie. The Washington Commanders didn’t have the financial clout to spend big, so this is the best fans could have hoped for with the limited resources available.
Adding interior depth via the 2023 NFL Draft must also be sought at some stage. Looking at the options, there is an opportunity to pick up some value in the mid-to-late rounds, which is something that’s become more prevalent in recent years.
Ricky Stromberg makes a ton of sense at this stage of the draft. The versatile prospect can slot in almost anywhere on the interior with minimal fuss, but his growth at the center position in 2022 means this could be something to explore long-term.
Stromberg’s intelligence and dominant run blocking are solid foundations from which to build. The Arkansas product plays with a ruthless streak that’s hard not to love, finishing blocks in an aggressive fashion to overwhelm opponents more often than not.
The lineman has enough pass protection capabilities to go off. But there are some technical flaws that need refinement before he’s ready to assume starting responsibilities in the NFL.
Commanders draft Dee Winters
- Linebacker | TCU Horned Frogs
Adding some speed at the linebacker position would be prudent for the Washington Commanders during the 2023 NFL Draft. Cole Holcomb has been replaced by Cody Barton amid the free-agent madness, but acquiring someone with upside from the college ranks is another option before preparations ramp up for the upcoming campaign.
Given the more pressing needs at cornerback and left tackle, Washington might be forced to look a little further down the pecking order for a solution. Jack Del Rio’s coaching credentials are among the league’s best on the defensive side of things, so any prospect that comes into the fold is going to get the best possible chance to carve out a successful career for themselves.
Dee Winters is a gamble worth taking here. The second-level presence became a key cog in TCU’s memorable journey to the college football playoffs in 2022, gaining 14.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and coming up big when his team needed him most.
One thing that stands out above all else when looking at Winters on tape is physicality. He is a ferocious tackler that leaves nothing to chance and has enough closing speed to get around the football consistently for good measure.
While he’s not the biggest, Winters has outstanding instincts and explosiveness. So a key role on special teams is almost assured in 2022 as the player develops other areas of his game.
Commanders draft Malik Cunningham
- Quarterback | Louisville Cardinals
The Washington Commanders have themselves a quarterback battle upcoming this summer. Sam Howell is the current frontrunner heading into Year 2 of his professional career, but Jacoby Brissett joining the team free agency adds another fascinating element to this crucial equation.
Brissett wouldn’t have joined the Commanders if he didn’t feel like he could beat out Howell for the starting gig. But the veteran also acknowledged the need to help his young teammate in whatever way possible throughout the process.
The primary focus will be on these two, there’s no doubt about that. But acquiring a development project that can be a gadget weapon in the later rounds could be worth its weight in gold under Eric Bieniemy.
Malik Cunningham might not ever become a productive NFL starter, but there’s nothing to suggest he cannot grow into a potential backup. He also has outstanding ability carrying the football, which Bieniemy might see as an opportunity in wildcat packages or other elements designed to throw opposing defenses off balance.
In this scenario with every major need filled, taking Cunningham is an affordable luxury. Something that allows the Commanders to see for themselves what the Louisville product could offer in the short and long term.