Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: New era edition

Commanders draft Zach Harrison

• Defensive End | Ohio State Buckeyes

While bolstering the defensive end position wouldn’t be the biggest need in the world, the Washington Commanders need a long-term contingency plan given how precarious things are for Chase Young heading into 2023. The former No. 2 overall selection needs a bounce-back campaign after an injury-hit spell, which could literally make or break the team’s chances of making the playoffs next season.

Montez Sweat is also entering a contract year and will command a substantial amount with another strong season. Therefore, it might not be possible to keep both starting edge rushers beyond this season given the money already tied up in the defensive tackle tandem of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.

If someone of Zach Harrison‘s stature is around in the mid-rounds, it’s something to consider. The Ohio State product might not have the lofty numbers of those who’ve come out of the program in previous years, but that does not detract from how transferable his skills appear from college to the pros.

Harrison is explosive enough to cause havoc and uses his leverage to full effect. There seems to be plenty of untapped promise where the edge rusher is concerned, but there are technical flaws that need eradicating before full confidence in his NFL chances can emerge.

Teams are always willing to be on prospects with Harrison’s traits. And if he is available at this juncture, it’s a risk well worth taking.