Commanders hit home runs in CBS Sports three-round 2023 mock draft

The Washington Commanders got themselves some potential home run hits from a recent three-round 2023 NFL mock draft published by CBS Sports.

The excitement continues to build surrounding the Washington Commanders falling into different ownership. Two bids have now been lodged that reportedly meet Dan Snyder’s asking price of $6 billion, with Adam Schefter of ESPN adding that something could be officially confirmed before the 2023 NFL Draft to further heighten expectations.

This marks the dawning of a new era after Snyder’s inept management of team affairs. But for the football men in the building, it increases the sense of urgency to make the necessary strides when competitive games commence next season.

Ron Rivera is now headed into his second campaign under a different owner. It didn’t end well with the Carolina Panthers, so the head coach will be doing everything in his power to avoid a similar fate next time around.

With money scarce, strengthening via the draft is Washington’s best route forward at this juncture. The Commanders have eight selections at their disposal and the first three rounds were examined by Jeff Wilson of CBS Sports in his latest mock.

Commanders draft Joey Porter Jr. in CBS Sports mock

It turned out pretty well for the Commanders, beginning with Joey Porter Jr. at No. 16 overall. The stud cornerback is exactly what Jack Del Rio’s defense needs to take that next step, which took preference over the offensive line following the signings of Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie in free agency.

"“The urgency to upgrade the offensive line early in the draft is no longer what it once was. Instead, the team targets cornerback; Kendall Fuller is entering the final year of his contract and Benjamin St-Juste has been replacement level. Joey Porter Jr. is the prototypical big, physical cornerback who looks like he belongs in the NFL. He can sometimes get a little too handsy downfield but that doesn’t mean he can’t be dominant at the next level.”"

The Commanders also filled another need at No. 47 overall in the form of Nick Herbig. An instinctive linebacker, the former Wisconsin star constantly lived in opposing backfields during his last two seasons in college and has a knack for finishing off plays with ruthless conviction when given the chance.

Slotting Herbig on the outside next to Jamin Davis and Cody Barton at the defensive second level comes with intriguing possibilities. Whether it’s something those in power will contemplate given his 6-foot-2 frame that’s a little on the small side is another matter.

Rivera might have stated his happiness with his current options on the offensive line, but it looks like another band-aid group that needs an injection of life. That could still arrive via the draft, which led Wilson to mock Jaelyn Duncan to the Commanders at No. 96 overall.

The Maryland product is athletic, long, and has the footwork needed to become a productive edge presence over time. Duncan is nothing short of a mauler in the run game to further enhance his chances, but there is some work to do from a technical standpoint before he can become a starting option with any great confidence.

If the Commanders ended up with these three prospects early in the draft, it paints a fantastic picture. One that will do their chances of immediate improvements under new ownership a tremendous amount of good.