Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Pro day season edition

Commanders draft Luke Schoonmaker

• Tight End | Michigan Wolverines

Although the Washington Commanders appear content with their current tight-end options, they would be foolish to ignore what’s widely regarded as the deepest class at the position in recent memory. More than a dozen prospects project to be potential starters over time, so adding another is something that will be discussed at some stage during the all-important selection process.

Luke Schoonmaker certainly ticks a lot of boxes and could provide some high-upside value on Day 3. The former three-star high school recruit brought his contribution forward greatly at Michigan in 2022, emerging as a reliable presence in the passing game with soft hands that allow him to catch the football in traffic with relative comfort.

Schoonmaker has some decent short-area bust and is a polished route-runner. He tracks the ball well across the middle and can be a red-zone threat with further refinement once the player gets to the pros.

The prospect could do with bulking up slightly to further maximize his skill set. Schoonmaker is also lacking the sort of speed needed to stretch the field, but the Commanders don’t need this thanks to their exceptional wide receiver trio who can do it all.

Much will depend on how Logan Thomas, John Bates, Cole Turner, and even Armani Rogers establish themselves. But this is a low-risk, high-reward selection with the long term in mind.