Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections as an exciting era dawns for the organization under new owners?
After what seemed like an eternity of rumors, false stories, and everything in between, the Washington Commanders are on the brink of becoming owned by someone other than Dan Snyder. With the group led by Josh Harris having their $6.05 billion offer accepted, the NFL’s finance committee will soon get to work before an official vote takes place to approve the landmark transaction.
This news was met with jubilant scenes across the fanbase. No longer will Snyder’s dark cloud hang over the Commanders, which has brought more off-field scandal than legitimate playoff success throughout a torrid spell spanning more than 20 years.
Ron Rivera stated his relief at something finally getting confirmed one way or another. However, the head coach was also eager to focus on the immediate task at hand – the 2023 NFL Draft.
Washington has eight selections to spend on improving problem positions. The stakes are now incredibly high for Rivera, so maximizing their picks is only going to serve the Commanders well ahead of a pivotal upcoming season for influential figures within the building.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach their picks with a new ownership regime lurking in our latest seven-round mock draft. One that will go a long way to determining how successful Rivera could become entering his fourth year at the helm.
Commanders draft Joey Porter Jr.
- Cornerback | Penn State Nittany Lions
While there will be a temptation to make a flashy move to mark the arrival of new ownership, the Washington Commanders would be wise not to ignore some key needs on their roster. Most notably, improving the offensive line and finding a potential shutdown cornerback to take this franchise forward.
Anything else could bring some serious complications when competitive games begin. If Joey Porter Jr. was available for the Commanders at No. 16 overall, it could prove too tempting to ignore.
Porter has the pedigree and athletic attributes needed to emerge as a star in no time. He looks every bit like a capable cornerback presence that can make an immediate difference, which is exactly what the Commanders need to go alongside Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste, and the recently acquired Cameron Dantzler Sr.
The former Penn State star has the tools to shine in any scheme. Porter is immensely productive in press coverage, has the football IQ to become dominant in zone systems, and also boasts enough physicality to assist against the run for good measure.
This is a top-end cornerback class that Washington must take advantage of. Others will be on the shortlist, but nobody should complain too much if Porter is the guy.
Commanders draft O’Cyrus Torrence
- Offensive Line | Florida Gators
As stated previously, the Washington Commanders need to add another instant starter on their offensive line during the 2023 NFL Draft. This bears special significance on the interior if those in power plan to move forward with Charles Leno Jr. and Andrew Wylie as the team’s starting tackle tandem.
There’s a chance he could go a lot higher than this, but O’Cyrus Torrence could slip into the second-round bracket due to positional importance. If the former Florida standout is available at No. 47 overall, it wouldn’t take long for the Commanders to turn in their card.
O’Torrence is arguably the best interior lineman in a deep class. He is a gargantuan man that represents the complete package in terms of size, strength, and brute power capable of overwhelming almost every opponent.
Whether it’s in the run game or during pass protection sets, Torrence shines with consistency and almost flawless technique. For someone weighing more than 300 pounds to move this well laterally is rare and something that won’t go unnoticed by NFL scouts.
The Commanders could easily miss out on Torrence given his skills. They could also seriously consider taking him at No. 16 overall if influential figures feel like this is the only realistic option to bring him on board.
If Torrence lasts until No. 47 overall, it’s an absolute no-brainer.
Commanders draft Daiyan Henley
- Linebacker | Washington State Cougars
Another area that the Washington Commanders could strengthen as a matter of urgency centers on the defensive second level. Cody Barton looks like a readymade replacement for the departed Cole Holcomb, but another starter is needed looking at the team’s current depth chart options.
This is a decent group of prospects for the Commanders to examine. Daiyan Henley is one that’s gone a little under the radar, but the benefits of deploying him within Jack Del Rio’s system are there for all to see.
Henley has a nice blend of size and athleticism. The former Washington State star is a supreme tackling force on a sideline-to-sideline basis, with the prospect’s ability in coverage another exceptional element to his on-field production that would go down extremely well on the Commanders.
While Henley would be on the small side, there’s some value in the player emerging as a core rotational piece that can emerge into something more over time. He also represents a potential difference-maker on special teams while developing other areas of his game.
There are far worse avenues the Commanders could go in pursuit of improving their linebacking corps. Henley also displays the sort of work ethic that has become synonymous with Del Rio’s defense in double-quick time.
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.
Commanders draft Tyjae Spears
- Running Back | Tulane Green Wave
Eric Bieniemy will be eager for the Washington Commanders to acquire more firepower during the 2023 NFL Draft. There are a number of gifted playmakers at the offensive coordinator’s disposal already, so a few new additions could result in major improvements providing either Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett live up to their end of the bargain under center.
Despite the presence of Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson at the running back spot, the release of J.D. McKissic leaves the Commanders short of a third option unless Jaret Patterson makes significant strides. If Tyjae Spears is available in the mid-rounds, it’s a luxury the Commanders could afford after filling key needs higher up the pecking order.
There’s no end to the ways Bieniemy could use a dynamic individual like Spears within his creative system. The former Tulane stud is productive, elusive, and has the sort of burst capable of taking it to the house on any given down.
Another outstanding area of Spears’ game that could be a huge asset is as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. The prospect is extremely sharp out of his cuts with soft hands that allow him to take the ball in stride before big gains after the catch.
While Spears’ slender frame wouldn’t be the best asset in pass protection, the Commanders have players to fill this role. Something that would allow the back to focus on the positives he could bring under Bieniemy’s guidance.
Commanders draft Olusegun Oluwatimi
- Offensive Line | Michigan Wolverines
Ron Rivera recently stated how happy he was with the improvements made across the offensive line. Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie could upgrade their respective positions, with the promise of one or two more contributors from the college ranks only heightening the sense of expectation around a position group that flattered to deceive in 2022.
Even though he could be seen as a work in progress, Olusegun Oluwatimi has enough intangibles to become a starter over time. However, it’s important for the prospect to be given enough leeway to develop at his own place wherever he ends up.
Oluwatimi might be raw from a technical standpoint, but his cerebral approach and quick reactions are a solid foundation from which to build. The former Michigan star has enough flexibility to keep opposing pass-rushers at bay, which can also be useful on the move or at the second level, where the lineman goes looking for work.
As is the case with most prospects taken on Day 3, there is plenty of work ahead of Oluwatimi in pursuit of putting his athletic attributes to better use. The prospect’s hand placement is sometimes suspect and there is a tendency for the linemen to lunge rather than solidify his base at the point of attack.
Oluwatimi spent the majority of his college career at the center spot. However, his physical traits indicate he could transition smoothly to a guard position if the Commanders saw fit.
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.
Commanders draft Josh Whyle
- Tight End | Cincinnati Bearcats
Finding quality production from the tight-end position has been a difficult task for the Washington Commanders in recent seasons. Something that could lead the organization into identifying a top-level prospect depending on how the board plays out.
With that being said, there remains hope that the likes of Cole Turner and Armani Rogers can excel thanks to Eric Bieniemy calling the shots. Logan Thomas’ presence is another potential positive, although he’ll need to quash some ongoing doubters in pursuit of a prominent role.
This is widely considered to be one of the deepest tight-end draft classes in recent memory. Josh Whyle is one of the more unheralded but could become a low-risk, high-reward option late on Day 3 if Washington gets the chance.
A savvy route runner, Whyle was a solid performer at Cincinnati over the last three years. He was a significant contributor to the Bearcats’ memorable run to the college football playoffs in 2021, displaying the ability to impact proceedings all over the field when opportunities arose.
Whyle has no trouble being physical on contested catches and can create separation in press situations quickly. His awareness needs to improve – especially as a pass-blocker – but his long arms and overall frame indicate growth can arrive quickly in the right fit.
The Commanders have nothing to lose by giving Whyle a shot at this juncture. Something that would only enhance competition in the tight end room during a fascinating upcoming training camp.