3 telling Commanders quotes heading into the 2023 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
What telling quotes have emerged from the Washington Commanders as the team gets set to strengthen their options during the 2023 NFL Draft?
The level of excitement is increasing with each passing day as the Washington Commanders and other teams finalize their 2023 NFL Draft plans. Pro days are concluding across the country and influential figures within the organization will soon begin cementing their boards before the all-important selection process officially begins, which always brings a real sense of anticipation.
While all the talk right now centers on the two formal bids made to buy the Commanders from Dan Snyder, that is inconsequential to the likes of head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew – at least for now, anyway. Their primary objective is forming a roster capable of mounting a playoff bid next season with their respective seats set to get piping hot once the sale is confirmed.
Rivera and Mayhew are taking everything in their stride and focusing on what they can control. If that’s not good enough to remain with the franchise long-term, so be it.
The new owner or ownership group already has a specific set of ideas, one suspects. What’s important for those currently around is to continue with their methods, look after their own, and take calculated risks in pursuit of progression.
Looking ahead, here are three telling quotes that could indicate how the Commanders plan to approach the 2023 NFL Draft next month.
Commanders could draft another RB
Despite having Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson leading the running back room, the Washington Commanders haven’t ruled out the possibility of acquiring another option. Given their lack of expendable financial resources currently, using one of their eight draft selections seems like the realistic option.
General manager Martin Mayhew recently stated that the Commanders are doing everything in their power to get better within the room. Especially considering the presence of Eric Bieniemy controlling the offense and Washington’s decision to cut J.D. McKissic with a failed physical designation.
"“We’ll be looking across the board to get better, so we’ll address that if we need to.”"
Once other more pressing needs are met, the Commanders could have the luxury of picking a running back early on Day 3. And looking at the class overall, there is definite value to be had at this stage of the draft depending on how the board plays out.
It would be a huge surprise if Robinson didn’t get the lead-back role after an encouraging rookie campaign. Gibson is a nice change of pace and could excel under Bieniemy, which means acquiring a backfield presence with exceptional pass-catching attributes represents the best course of action.