Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: BPA edition

Commanders draft Will Mallory

• Tight End | Miami Hurricanes

While the Washington Commanders have declared their happiness in the team’s current options at tight end, the production doesn’t exactly match. And this is one of the deepest draft classes at the position in recent memory.

Therefore, ignoring the possibility of bringing another tight end from the college ranks would be malpractice. One could make a strong case for around 15 prospects boasting future starting potential, but much will depend on their fit and how quickly they can fully adjust from college to the pros.

Will Mallory is an intriguing prospect that represents a high-value pickup at this juncture. The former Miami stud put up decent numbers with the Hurricanes in 2022 despite some less-than-stellar quarterback play and enhanced his stock tremendously thanks to a stunning pro-day showcase.

Mallory is explosive coming out of his routes with decent ball skills that make him a threat in contested catch situations. The four-star high school recruit also boasts surprising speed that allows him to get open quickly across the middle.

Another area where Mallory excels is from a footwork standpoint, which can be developed into a potential red-zone threat over time. The player’s frame dictates a need to bulk up and Washington’s coaching staff would need to enhance his blocking considerably if they wanted to get him involved right from the outset.