3 late-round luxury prospects the Commanders could draft in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders could draft Keaton Mitchell
- Running Back | East Carolina Pirates
Even though the Washington Commanders have Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson leading their running back room, releasing J.D. McKissic with a failed physical designation means a third option might be acquired. However, there is also the presence of Jaret Patterson to factor into the equation.
This doesn’t seem like the biggest area of need for Washington. But they do have enough draft capital to potentially pick up a high-upside prospect on Day 3 if the right opportunity comes along.
Someone like Keaton Mitchell fits the bill and could force his fair share of involvement immediately. The dual-threat weapon enjoyed a phenomenal college career at East Carolina, gaining 3,607 all-purpose yards and 28 combined touchdowns in three seasons, with the prospect also displaying enough elusiveness to make an impression on special teams as a kick returner in the right fit.
Mitchell isn’t the biggest from a frame standpoint, but this doesn’t come across on tape. He is aggressive when gaps emerge and has enough lower-body strength to keep things moving after contact.
The prospect boasts outstanding route-running and has soft hands to become a threat in the passing game. Something the Commanders might need within Eric Bieniemy’s system with McKissic no longer around.
Washington wouldn’t be getting much from a pass-blocking standpoint with Mitchell, but that wouldn’t be his primary concern under a masterful play-caller like Bieniemy.