What are some worst-case scenarios the Washington Commanders could face during the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft?
To say this is a pivotal NFL Draft for the Washington Commanders in 2023 would be an understatement. There is no more spare cash to find reinforcements in free agency, so it’s essential some instant contributors emerge from their eight selections to stand any chance of being competitive next season.
Aside from a few problem position groups, the Commanders look to be molding a decent roster. And in fairness to Ron Rivera, their draft picks since he’s come into the fold have been encouraging aside from a few notable mistakes.
With the pre-draft assessment process winding down, those in power are now forming their board and preparing for every eventuality. Anything less could see unnecessary complications emerge throughout the all-important selection weekend.
On this topic, we picked out three worst-case scenarios for the Commanders during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Worst-Case Scenario No. 1
Commanders cannot find interior OL value
Even though Ron Rivera outlined his pleasure about how things were unfolding on the offensive line, ignoring a deep class emerging from the college ranks would be a mistake. Based on the team’s top 30 visits, it’s something they are seriously considering with one or perhaps even multiple selections.
The right prospects need to be available for this mission to be a success. Rivera is unlikely to reach based on history, so it’s something to keep a close eye on throughout the weekend.
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.
Commanders cannot reinforce their pass-rush
This wouldn’t be on many people’s radar considering the strength across the Washington Commanders’ defensive front. But upon further examination, it might be a sneaky need when one factors everything into the equation.
The Commanders are hoping Chase Young returns to his rookie form and puts a consistent run of games together. It’s been a series of unfortunate complications for the one-time Ohio State stud after coming into the league as a generational prospect, which is what Washington will be expecting with a better offseason in terms of health.
If Young cannot meet expectations and misses more time, it’s going to be a major problem. The Commanders do have Montez Sweat and Efe Obada’s proven capable from a rotational role, but more might be needed and there could be some value on Day 2 or Day 3 in the draft providing other needs are addressed beforehand.
One also must consider the contractual element of the equation. Young and Sweat are both looking for long-term security with new deals soon, which could be difficult for the Commanders considering the money they have tied up in the defensive tackle tandem of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.
While adding another pass-rusher isn’t high on the list of priorities, ignoring this critical area of play entirely will come with grave ramifications if Young cannot stay on the field.