Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections if they went with the best player available approach?
The Washington Commanders have more on the line than most heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. A new ownership group could be announced in the not-too-distant future after Dan Snyder reportedly received two bids that met his $6 billion asking price, which piles additional pressure on influential figures within the organization to get things right next time around.
Ron Rivera has been keen to point out that the impending sale is not impacting the decision-making process this offseason. That’s something the head coach cannot control, so molding a roster capable of challenging within a highly competitive NFC East is the only way to convince a potential new owner that he is worthy of a bigger commitment.
The Commanders have eight selections during the draft. Considering money is relatively tight currently, this represents the best possible remaining opportunity to improve their depth and find instant difference-makers in key position groups.
Rivera stated at the NFL owners’ meetings that he wants the Commanders to select the best player available at each position. That might sound nice, but the team’s current needs cannot be ignored provided the prospects are there for the taking.
Much will depend on how the board plays out. But using the NFL Mock Draft database simulator, we took a look at which way Washington might go with their picks if a happy medium can be reached in our latest seven-round mock.
Commanders draft Nolan Smith
- Defensive End/Outside Linebacker | Georgia Bulldogs
This would be shocking to some. But upon further examination, taking an edge rusher is something the Washington Commanders might contemplate when push comes to shove.
After giving Daron Payne a lucrative contract extension, the Commanders now have a significant amount tied up in their two starting defensive tackles. This makes things complicated with Montez Sweat and Chase Young also looking for new deals of their own very shortly.
Sweat is heading into a contract year and could command a lofty sum if his current career trajectory is any indication. If Young’s fifth-year option isn’t picked up and the defensive end thrives in 2023, his financial demands will also go through the roof.
Keeping both in this scenario would be difficult. So if a prospect like Nolan Smith is available for the Commanders, a discussion needs to be had.
The former Georgia standout has the potential to be great. Smith is a two-time national champion with the production to match, which is coupled with outstanding leadership qualities that should make a seamless transition from college to the pros.
Smith has the explosiveness, pass-rushing repertoire, and football IQ to make an immediate impression. Something the Commanders could utilize as a 4-3 outside linebacker or even on the defensive front depending on the situation.
It would be surprising. But don’t rule it out completely.
Commanders draft Steve Avila
- Offensive Line | TCU Horned Frogs
It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders could use a prominent offensive lineman early in the draft. Ron Rivera declared his happiness with the team’s current options after signing Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie in free agency, but ignoring a gifted group of interior protectors would be a major mistake.
One prospect that the Commanders are taking a closer look at is Steve Avila. The one-time TCU standout played a leading role in the Horned Frogs’ memorable run to the college football national championship game in 2022 and is set for a trip to Washington on a top-30 visit in the coming days.
Avila is a mauler in the run game with the raw strength to carve open lanes at will. This is matched by some outstanding development in pass protection, which is something else the Commanders desperately need on their interior after so much lackluster production during the previous campaign.
Adding Avila and immediately slotting him at the left guard position strengthens the starting unit. The team remains high in left tackle Charles Leno Jr., so adding an explosive young presence alongside him would solidify the blindside for Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett next season.
This is a risk worth taking early on Day 2. Avila is accomplished, ascending, and emerging as a leader of men – which could fit in extremely well with the Commanders’ current way of thinking.
Commanders draft Julius Brents
- Cornerback | Kansas State Wildcats
Another position group that needs another capable figure with Day 1 starting potential is the cornerback room. The Washington Commanders did manage to pick up Cameron Dantzler Sr. off the waiver wire, but if he cannot return to his 2021 form, it represents a complication.
This is something the Commanders could address early in the draft. The likes of Joey Porter Jr., Christian Gonzalez, and Devon Witherspoon should all be high on their board, but looking a little further down the pecking order could also bring rewards if the right prospect is targeted.
Someone like Julius Brents fits the bill. The Kansas State product is long, physical, and is gaining momentum at just the right time – which almost guarantees he’ll be taken at some stage on Day 2.
Brents thrives in press coverage and has no trouble getting wideouts off their routes. He has the speed to track receivers downfield and enough instincts to identify where the football is going before it arrives.
There is also a lot to like about the way Brents applies himself against the run. If the prospect can improve the footwork aspect of playing the position upon arriving at the next level, this represents a potential starting option right out of the gate.
Adding Brents to a unit that also consists of Dantzler, Kendall Fuller, and Benjamin St-Juste should be enough or the Commanders to improve. It’s also worth remembering they have an accomplished young safety tandem in Kamren Curl and Darrick Forest to call upon.
Commanders draft DeMarvion Overshown
- Linebacker | Texas Longhorns
It’s all change at the linebacker spot in 2023 after the Washington Commanders signed Cody Barton in free agency and let Cole Holcomb leave for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is a calculated risk by those in power and one they hope can improve consistency at the defensive second-level interior next season.
Barton is coming off the best season of his career by a considerable margin, so it’s a gamble worth taking. However, the Commanders should also look to bolster their linebacking options with another dynamic presence via the 2023 NFL Draft.
After drafting Nolan Smith at No. 16 overall, the Commanders get themselves another high-upside individual early on Day 3. There’s a chance DeMarvion Overshown goes higher than this, but Washington should turn in their card quickly if he makes it to No. 118.
Overshown has an exciting blend of explosiveness and agility that can make an impact on a three-down basis. He is a little on the slender side – which isn’t exactly ideal – but the former Texas standout looks like a good scheme fit within Jack Del Rio’s system and would have space to work behind Washington’s outstanding defensive front.
The prospect also has outstanding coverage capabilities after beginning his career in the safety position. Overshown’s versatility is something else that could assist the Commanders on a rotational basis in 2023 before emerging into a starting role.
Commanders draft Kenny McIntosh
- Running Back | Georgia Bulldogs
While some believe that the Washington Commanders could shock the world and take Bijan Robinson at No. 16 overall, there are too many critical needs to fill before bringing another running back into the fold. Especially considering the team already has two capable ball carriers – Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson – heading into the campaign.
With that being said, the Commanders cut J.D. McKissic with a failed physical designation, so Eric Bieniemy could use another option that can develop into a potential contributor. Especially one with outstanding pass-catching credentials coming out of the backfield.
Kenny McIntosh ticks all the boxes and would be a nice pickup at this stage of the draft. The former Georgia star played a secondary role during his time with the Bulldogs, but that does not detract from an exciting skill set that could thrive within Bieniemy’s new creative scheme.
McIntosh might not have elite speed, but he is an assured route-runner with soft hands., He became an outstanding security blanket for Stenson Bennett last season, gaining 1,334 all-purpose yards and 12 combined touchdowns along the way.
Another area where McIntosh excels is in pass protection. He is also a patient runner that can exploit gaps when they arrive, so this pick makes a ton of sense from the Commanders’ perspective following Bieniemy’s high-profile switch from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Commanders draft Warren McClendon
- Offensive Tackle | Georgia Bulldogs
As stated previously, the Washington Commanders have faith in Charles Leno Jr. as their starting left tackle. His production was far from terrible last season while all around him crumbled, so the promise of improved performance levels with better options around him on the offensive line cannot be dismissed entirely.
There isn’t much in the way of reliable long-term depth in Washington currently. Therefore, unearthing some potential rough diamonds deeper down the draft could be worth its weight in gold.
Warren McClendon becomes the Commanders’ third selection from the Georgia Bulldogs in this scenario. There is still a rawness to the edge protector’s game that needs refinement, but the chances of further growth are high thanks to the player’s physical makeup.
McClendon’s technique in terms of hand placement is flawless. He puts his size to good use against the run and in obvious passing situations, which is enhanced by enough functional strength to make things extremely difficult for oncoming rushers.
While McClendon has some work to do regarding footwork and getting off the snap effectively, the Commanders represent a good landing spot for the prospect to develop at his own pace. Although a prominent backup role could be in the offing if things develop quicker than anticipated.
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.
Commanders draft Dorian Thompson‐Robinson
- Quarterback | UCLA Bruins
The Washington Commanders are making a big call by moving forward in 2023 with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett as their quarterback options. Going after Lamar Jackson has obvious benefits, but head coach Ron Rivera stated that they never truly contemplated a pursuit of the former NFL MVP due to the compensation and financial outlay.
This is a gamble that will define Rivera’s tenure in Washington. And aside from lucking into Cam Newton on the Carolina Panthers, his decision-making at football’s most pivotal position hasn’t exactly been world-beating throughout his coaching career.
There’s no chance Washington is going to take a quarterback early in the draft. Hendon Hooker is the wildcard, but many analysts are now projecting the Tennessee product to be a late first-round selection or at worst, become an early second-round pick.
There’s no harm in the Commanders spending their final draft pick on a development project with nice athletic measurables. This wouldn’t have any impact on the upcoming quarterback battle between Brissett and Howell whatsoever.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson might never end up being an NFL starter at the position. But he could be of use as a gadget option thanks to his running ability out of the backfield and might end up being a surprise most teams don’t see coming under Eric Bieniemy.