4 edge rushers the Commanders could select in the 2023 NFL Draft

Commanders could draft K.J. Henry

The Washington Commanders brought in Myles Murphy for one of their top 30 visits on Tuesday. But it might be worth those in power looking at another former Clemson stud that going well under the radar in comparison.

Murphy could go anywhere from the top 10 to late in the first round. K.J. Henry is expected to be a mid-round pick, which is probably the more realistic route the Commanders will pursue if adding to their edge rushing options is their intent.

While Henry doesn’t have the pre-draft prestige of Murphy or even Bryan Breese from the same program, his physical profile is tailor made for the next level. His frame also indicates versatility as a defensive end or an outside linebacker depending on where the prospect ends up.

The ex-Tiger has violent hands and isn’t afraid to use them. Henry takes tremendous angles in pursuit of the quarterback, is patient enough to shed blocks and break through at the last minute, and has also evolved into a supreme leader within the lock room under Dabo Sweeney to further enhance his influence.

Again, he’s an older prospect. But Henry has developed with every passing year in college and has enough room for further growth once he fully acclimatizes to the NFL.

Whether the Commanders identify Henry as a prospect of interest remains to be seen. There are far worse avenues to pursue, though.