3 worst-case Commanders scenarios during the 2023 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Commanders miss out on the top-tier CBs
Another big area of need for the Washington Commanders centers on the cornerback spot. Relying on Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste, and Cameron Dantzler Sr. to get the job done is risky, so taking advantage of a tremendous 2023 NFL Draft class could be the spark that ignites Jack Del Rio’s defense to great things next season.
While that sounds like a realistic path for the Commanders to take, it might be taken out of their hands. Many of the more elite prospects could be gone by the time Washington goes on the clock at No. 16 overall, so those in power will be hoping this worst-case scenario doesn’t come to fruition when the time comes.
The likes of Devon Witherspoon, Christian Gonzalez, Joey Porter Jr., and maybe even Kelee Ringo might be out of reach if there is a run on cornerbacks. Something that could lead the Commanders to someone like Emmanuel Forbes or Deonte Banks as high-upside consolation prizes.
If the top-end corners aren’t around, then it might result in Washington turning their attention towards Brian Branch, an elite safety talent that could become the team’s slot option with a smooth transition. And the former Alabama star was one of the Commanders’ top 30 visits during the pre-draft process.
Again, the Commanders and Ron Rivera should be mapping out every possible situation. This includes looking a little further down the pecking order for a potential shutdown presence in the secondary.