5 wide receivers the Commanders could select in the 2023 NFL Draft

Commanders could draft Michael Jefferson

One of the best parts of pre-draft scouting is coming across a player who is totally off your radar. I don’t think anyone is making great claims for Michael Jefferson. He began at Alabama State and then transferred to the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for his final two seasons. putting up some gaudy numbers in the Bayou – 11 touchdowns in 22 games, and 18.7 yards-per-catch.

Jefferson’s 40-yard dash time is in the mid 4.5s, which suggests he’s not a burner. Yet I never saw him get caught from behind. He’s more of a glider than a sprinter, as we will see with the final two receivers on this list, those players can lull you into thinking they are not very explosive.

That is until you see them in the open field. As with Jake Bobo, Jefferson has great length and could also make some noise as a tall slot receiver playing inside of burners like Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.

If you’re seeking a brash gaudy pass catcher, look elsewhere. When you hear Jefferson in interviews, he seems like a low-key, humble young man who never brags. He just produces. And Washington has shown a recent affinity for players from the Ragin’ Cajun program.

Last year, they drafted safety Percy Butler in the fourth round and then signed his teammate Ferrod Gardner as an undrafted free agent. He was on the practice squad in 2022 and may get a shot this year.

As might Jefferson. Of all the players on this list, he is the least likely to be drafted. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he is on the Commanders’ list as a priority when the undrafted free agency period commences.