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

Commanders draft Dylan Horton

• Defensive End/Outside Linebacker | TCU Horned Frogs

Finding another depth piece at the defensive end position would be wise. Especially considering the questions surrounding former No. 2 overall selection Chase Young thanks to a constant stream of injury frustrations over the last two years.

Hopefully, Young can remain healthy and get back to his 2020 form. But the Commanders need a contingency plan if the Ohio State product suffers similar complications heading into the fourth year of his pro career.

Dylan Horton is an interesting prospect that burst onto the scene during TCU’s memorable rise to the college football national championship game in 2022. The edge defender played a huge role in the Horned Frogs’ fairytale run, gaining 10.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss to put him on the draft radar.

Horton’s athleticism is outstanding for a man his size. He is powerful at the contact point, boasts enough flexibility to bend around offensive tackles, and has enough functional quickness to finish plays with extreme efficiency.

There are times when Horton gets found out, especially when tasked with defensive end responsibilities. He also needs to improve discipline against the run, but sitting behind an elite Commanders’ defensive front could be exactly what the player needs during his early transition.