Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections in the midst of pro-day season across the country?
After a busy first fortnight of free agency, attention is quickly turning to the 2023 NFL Draft. For the cash-strapped Washington Commanders, this represents their best chance to strengthen problem position groups and potentially enter the postseason discussion next season.
That will be easier said than done within a competitive NFC East. But it’s something that must be accomplished by head coach Ron Rivera to avoid further speculation about his own future.
The Commanders will likely come into new ownership hands before competitive games arrive. Therefore, the onus is on Rivera and other influential figures to prove their worth and avoid any widespread changes once Dan Snyder finally sells up.
Just when something gets confirmed is anyone’s guess. Other NFL owners are clearly reluctant to take matters into their own hands, which puts the spotlight on Snyder and whether or not a bid that matches his asking price arrives in the not-too-distant future.
Washington has eight selections during the draft currently. Some needs appear more obvious than others, but the Commanders might also have room for a luxury pick or two based on their free-agent activity so far.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at which way the Commanders might go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections in the midst of what’s normally a crucial pro-day season across the country.
Commanders draft Joey Porter Jr.
- Cornerback | Penn State Nittany Lions
One of the biggest remaining needs for the Washington Commanders is finding a shutdown cornerback. Someone that can emerge as a player capable of locking down one side of the field consistently.
Despite picking up Cameron Dantzler Sr. off the waiver wire, this shouldn’t stop the Commanders from identifying a top-level prospect early in the draft. This could even be their pick at No. 16 overall depending on what transpires in front of them.
If Joey Porter Jr. somehow falls into their laps, it’s an opportunity that might prove difficult to pass up. The gifted defensive back has all the makings of a productive corner at the next level, with his size, athleticism, and physical approach sure to make him a hot commodity.
Porter is the son of a former Pro Bowl linebacker, so his football IQ is off the charts. This is matched by outstanding capabilities in press coverage, getting wide receivers off their routes almost constantly during a glittering college career with the Nittany Lions.
There is also nothing to worry about in the run game for Porter, whose aggressiveness and technique make him an asset in this particular discipline. The benefits of drafting him are obvious, but the Commanders face a nervous wait to see if he’s available at No. 16 overall.
Commanders draft O’Cyrus Torrence
- Offensive Line | Florida Gators
Signing Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie in free agency should help the offensive line improve. But if the Washington Commanders want to guarantee progress across their protection, adding one or two capable individuals from the college ranks is an absolute necessity.
This is a deep class for interior offensive linemen. If the Commanders decide to move forward with Charles Leno Jr. as their starting left tackle in 2023, then solidifying other positions is the best way to make things easier for quarterback Sam Howell during his expected transition into the starting role.
Much like the situation with Joey Porter Jr., there’s a good chance O’Cyrus Torrence goes higher than this. But if he remains on the board at No. 47 overall, this would be a pretty easy decision to make.
Torrence has drawn interest from the Commanders throughout the pre-draft evaluation process to date. He is a gargantuan presence on the interior with athleticism that defies a man his size, which could assist in the prospect’s quest to become a Day 1 starter in the right fit.
The former Florida standout is a mauler in the run game and excels in pass protection for good measure. Torrence failed to concede a single sack in more than 3,000 snaps with the Gators, which is exactly what the Commanders need heading into Year 4 of Ron Rivera’s tenure.
Commanders draft DeMarvion Overshown
- Linebacker | Texas Longhorns
Adding speed at the linebacker position would be another smart way for the Washington Commanders to go at some stage during the 2023 NFL Draft. Jamin Davis and free-agent signing Cody Barton are serviceable, but more is undoubtedly needed after Cole Holcomb departed for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency.
The Commanders have shown interest in DeMarvion Overshown throughout their assessments, and with good reason. His production at Texas was nothing short of exceptional and the prospect has all the athletic intangibles normally associated with productive NFL linebackers.
While Overshown might be a little undersized for the position, he thrives in all three phases. His tackling against the run is assured, which is matched by explosiveness in pass-rushing situations and outstanding coverage abilities thanks to his previous experience as a defensive back before switching to the second level.
More importantly, Overshown looks like a superb scheme fit for Jack Del Rio’s system. Something that could ensure a smooth transition into a key depth chart piece at the very worst as a rookie.
Getting off blocks against more imposing offensive linemen in the pros is a concern. However, Overshown should get plenty of space thanks to Washington’s formidable defensive line.
Commanders draft Tank Bigsby
- Running Back | Auburn Tigers
If the Washington Commanders can solve their biggest needs early in the 2023 NFL Draft, it provides those in power with extra freedom further down the pecking order. Eric Bieniemy’s arrival is another intriguing dimension within the process, so getting the play-caller some more weapons could make a huge difference when the regular season arrives.
Bieniemy wants to prove once and for all he is capable of becoming an NFL head coach. The Commanders are relying on him heavily if their recent recruitment decisions are any indication, so expect the team to find another playmaker or two from the college ranks to further assist his cause.
Releasing J.D. McKissic with a failed physical designation means another running back could be high on the list of skill position needs. Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson will play leading roles, but someone like Tank Bigsby is also a risk worth taking at this stage of the draft.
Bigsby enjoyed a standout college career at Auburn, gaining 2,903 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns over a three-year period. He has the perfect blend of size, explosiveness, and natural instincts for the position, which could be of significant use for the Commanders if they adopt a committee approach next time around.
While Bigsby wouldn’t be classed as the most powerful runner, Washington wouldn’t need that from him given Robinson’s presence. Therefore, picking him up as a change-of-pace option could be worth its weight in gold.
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.
Commanders draft Anthony Bradford
- Offensive Line | LSU Tigers
Solidifying the trenches and refusing to become complacent is the hallmark of any contending team. For the Washington Commanders, they must enhance their offensive line – from their starting unit to increasing depth quality across the board.
Adding O’Cyrus Torrence earlier in the draft shouldn’t prevent them from taking another interior presence. Although he is a work in progress, Anthony Bradford’s athletic intangibles make him a solid development project that could evolve into a productive starter over time.
Bradford is a brute force with heavy hands. This makes him a supreme difference-maker on running downs, carving up lanes almost at will, and finishing with ruthless aggression that’s hard not to love.
The one-time LSU star has the versatility to play on the interior or even as a right tackle should the opportunity arise. However, his rigid technique makes him susceptible to conceding pressures against the more explosive edge rushers, which needs some significant work once he finds his NFL fit.
If Bradford can work out some of these kinks over time, then a productive professional career could be in the offing. Something the Commanders would be wise to pursue in the latter stages of the draft.
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.
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.