5 Commanders players who could be replaced in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Andrew Norwell – Commanders OL
Ron Rivera recently revealed his happiness about how things were developing across the offensive line. The head coach said there is improved depth and solid starting options after Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie joined in free agency, but this should not prevent the Washington Commanders from adding to their ranks early in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Commanders are expected to move forward with Wylie and Charles Leno Jr. as their starting tackle tandem – shifting focus to the interior. This is a deep class for guards and centers, which those in power should take full advantage of in pursuit of finally having stability in a critical area of NFL play.
If one or two potential starters are acquired by the Commanders, it casts further doubt on Andrew Norwell’s future. The former All-Pro was inconsistent at best when reuniting with Rivera last season, giving up four sacks and conceding five penalties en route to a modest 59.8 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Norwell is a favorite of Rivera’s, so it’s hard to say whether or not he’ll become a cut candidate. However, the head coach has no margin for error in 2023, which should take any sentiment out of his decision-making process when push comes to shove.
Releasing Norwell with a post-June 1 designation comes with a cap saving of $4.38 million. Something that would go a long way to signing their 2023 NFL Draft class with just $2.42 million available currently.