Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Pro day season edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Byron Young
- Defensive Tackle | Alabama Crimson Tide
The Washington Commanders have shown a clear preference for drafting defensive tackles from Alabama in recent years. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne both hail from the program and are among the league’s best at the position, with Phidarian Mathis also selected in the second round last year to further boost the connection.
Could the Commanders pick up their fourth defensive tackle from the Crimson Tide during the 2023 NFL Draft? If Byron Young makes it this far down the board, the notion is entirely possible.
Young might not have the reputation as the aforementioned trio already in Washington, but one cannot be anything other than impressed by his gradual progression in college. The prospect has a thick frame and is almost impossible to move off the block without being double-teamed, which makes him a considerable asset on running downs along the way.
Another thing that stands out when examining Young on film is balance. The lineman is rarely caught off guard and has the frame to hold his position, which also allows him to pursue runners with a high-end motor that teams will love.
Young won’t be able to overpower NFL-caliber offensive linemen as easily. Therefore, adding to his pass-rushing repertoire would be highly beneficial – something his fellow Alabama alumni would be able to assist with if he ended up in Washington.