Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: New era edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Dontay Demus Jr.
- Wide Receiver | Maryland Terrapins
The Washington Commanders look pretty set at the wide receiver position – especially if Dyami Brown becomes more influential under Eric Bieniemy. But if the new assistant head coach/offensive coordinator feels like some value can be found later in the draft, it’s something for the team to contemplate.
Even though he was used sparingly with the Maryland Terrapins, Dontay Demus Jr. has a physical profile that offers something a little different from what the Commanders already possess. His 6-foot-3 frame makes him a matchup nightmare for smaller cornerbacks and there would be nobody better to exploit this than Bieniemy if his time with the Kansas City Chiefs was any indication.
Demus is a well-rounded wide receiver, albeit a little inexperienced as a featured option. He’s not the most explosive from a speed standpoint, but the route-running is sharp and there is a fierce competitive nature when it comes to contested catch situations.
The prospect could be a possession receiver used on the outside, in the slot, or as a red-zone threat. Demus will need to check out medically after tearing his ACL in college, but the risk at this stage of the draft would be minimal.
Washington will be heavily reliant on Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson next season. Demus wouldn’t be tasked with anything more than a depth role initially, which could be the best thing for his early development behind three potential superstars.