Which Washington Commanders players could be replaced during the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft?
This time of year is always one of excitement for fans. The 2023 NFL Draft comes with the promise of difference-makers joining from the college level, which can make a huge difference both on the field and in what teams can do from a financial standpoint with rookie contracts to build around.
One cannot put into words how important the upcoming draft is for the Washington Commanders. Ron Rivera and others within the organization are facing uncertain futures with the prospect of new ownership being confirmed shortly, which raises the stakes further when the pivotal selection weekend arrives.
Washington has eight picks to put their plans into motion. Something that could also see the statuses of those already on the roster put in jeopardy along the way.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who could be replaced during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Player No. 1
Dax Milne – Commanders WR/KR
The arrival of Eric Bieniemy brings plenty of hope that the Washington Commanders’ offense can make legitimate strides next season. Things look relatively promising at the skill positions, but the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator could look to further bolster his options with draft prospects that should fit within his scheme.
This might leave Dax Milne on the outside looking in depending on how the draft plays out. He offered little in the passing game in 2022 and underwhelmed as a kick returner, so he’ll be nervously looking over his shoulder if further competition arrives from the collegiate ranks.
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.
Chase Roullier – Commanders C
Another offensive lineman who’ll be nervously awaiting his fate after the 2023 NFL Draft is Chase Roullier. There is a growing sense that the injury-prone veteran is becoming an afterthought within the Washington Commanders, especially if the coaching staff decides to deploy Nick Gates as their starting center following his move from the New York Giants in free agency.
Roullier has endured some rough luck in recent seasons. His production remains decent when on the field, but dependability is a real concern and something the Commanders can no longer rely upon with so much at stake in 2023.
If the Commanders find an interior offensive lineman or two via the draft, then Roullier becomes a prime cut candidate considering the savings involved with a post-June 1 designation. This amounts to $8.37 million, which is around what’s required for Washington to sign their incoming class.
This might sound a little harsh on Roullier. But the NFL remains a business above all else, which is something Ron Rivera would be wise to remember when finalizing his roster plans in the coming weeks.
With just 10 appearances over the last two seasons, cutting Roullier seems like the most likely scenario if additional reinforcements arrive during the draft.
Jake Fromm – Commanders QB
The Washington Commanders have set out their stall at the quarterback position heading into the 2023 campaign. Ron Rivera is moving forward with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett, who’ll participate in a genuine battle throughout the upcoming preparation period before the head coach decides on his No. 1 option.
This could go either way, in all honesty. Howell has the potential to be productive, but his lack of experience is a concern – which is exactly why a capable veteran like Brissett was acquired in free agency.
With that being said, Eric Bieniemy could have a different view about what the Commanders need long-term. If the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator feels like there could be a nice option later on in the draft, then the Commanders might have that luxury once other critical needs are resolved beforehand.
While this would have little impact on Howell or Brissett – at least next season – it would cast doubt on Jake Fromm‘s future with the franchise. The one-time Georgia star spent most of 2022 on the practice squad and was signed to a reserve/futures contract in January, but any new arrival from the college level would hinder his hopes of making a bigger impact.
Rivera’s preference is to take three quarterbacks onto the roster based on his comments at the NFL owners’ meetings. But that doesn’t guarantee Fromm’s involvement by any stretch.
Logan Thomas – Commanders TE
This is the biggest unknown surrounding the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Are they legitimately happy with their tight-end options or will a prospect be sought to give Eric Bieniemy a Travis Kelce-like contributor following his switch from the Kansas City Chiefs?
While the likes of Cole Turner, Armani Rogers, and perhaps even John Bates could develop further under Bieniemy’s expert guidance, ignoring one of the deepest tight-end draft classes in a long time would be foolish. Something that casts further uncertainty on Logan Thomas‘ short and long-term future with the franchise.
Thomas has regressed considerably following his impressive 2020 campaign where he gained 670 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The former Virginia Tech quarterback could return to this form with Bieniemy calling plays, but there’s no telling for sure and if one of the top-end prospects becomes available, the Commanders should pull the trigger.
This would make things difficult to justify keeping Thomas around given the team’s current financial state. Releasing him with a post-June 1 designation comes with $6.92 million in cap savings, which could prove too tempting to ignore if a gifted college recruit is attained.
The option is an intriguing one. Especially considering how reliant Bieniemy was on tight-end production with the Chiefs.