3 under-the-radar draft prospects being coveted by Commanders in 2023
By Dean Jones
Which under-the-radar prospects are drawing interest from the Washington Commanders ahead of the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft?
Plans are being finalized within the Washington Commanders before the 2023 NFL Draft arrives later this month. With eight selections at their disposal, it represents a good opportunity to strengthen some starting options and enhance depth across multiple position groups depending on how the board plays out.
The Commanders made few – if any – splashes in free agency. This wasn’t a big shock considering how Ron Rivera’s gone about his business since becoming head coach, but the franchise needs a good draft in 2023 with pressure set to mount once new ownership is officially confirmed at some stage.
Mock drafts vary on which prospects the Commanders will select higher up the pecking order. But what separates the good teams from the great is finding valuable contributors on Days 2 and 3, as demonstrated recently by the Kansas City Chiefs en route to another Super Bowl.
With this in mind, here are three under-the-radar prospects drawing interest from the Commanders as the all-important selection process draws near.
Prospect No. 1
Commanders could draft Devon Matthews
- Safety | Indiana Hoosiers
Although the Washington Commanders have Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest as their starting safety tandem, they could use another depth piece to accompany Percy Butler long-term. Providing other vital needs are met, identifying a development project with high-upside via the 2023 NFL Draft seems like the best avenue to pursue.
Devon Matthews ticks all the boxes in that regard and is reportedly set to visit the Commanders in the near future. The former Indiana standout is a hard-hitting presence on the backend that plays extremely fast, which should make him an asset against the run and on special teams with a smooth transition.
While there are some deficiencies in outside coverages, Matthews is capable of passing situations between the numbers. So it’s not hard to see why the Commanders are taking a shine to someone that could be available on Day 3.