Which edge rushers could the Washington Commanders potentially select during what promises to be a fascinating 2023 NFL Draft for the franchise?
While finding another productive edge rusher might not be high on the list of draft priorities, the Washington Commanders must start thinking of contingency plans ahead of some important upcoming decisions. Specifically, the contract situations surrounding Chase Young and Montez Sweat.
The Commanders must decide whether or not to pick up Young’s fifth-year option before next month’s deadline. Sweat is also entering a contract year, so the chances of both getting lucrative extensions is uncertain considering the money already tied up in the defensive tackle duo of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.
Washington also has some health worries where Young is concerned. Efe Obada is a capable rotational presence that can step up, but those in power would be wise to examine the latest batch of college recruits for another option if the right opportunity comes along.
With this in mind, here are four edge rushers the Commanders could select during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Edge Rusher No. 1
Commanders could draft Nolan Smith
It would be a surprise to see the Washington Commanders take an edge rusher at No. 16 overall given their needs elsewhere. Nevertheless, Nolan Smith represents a prospect of immense promise that could slot into the starting lineup immediately.
Smith suffered some injury complications last season, which is a concern. However, the former Georgia standout is explosive, gets incredible bend around the edge, and boasts the closing speed necessary to reach the contact point quickly.
Much will depend on which players are available to the Commanders and whether trading back is an option. But someone with Smith’s pedigree and upside cannot be dismissed entirely.
Commanders could draft Derick Hall
If the Washington Commanders waited until further down the pecking order to bolster their edge rushing options, there are a few intriguing names that should be available on Day 2. One of those is Derick Hall, who hails from a prestigious program and has all the physical assets needed to make a real go of things at the next level.
Hall has the athletic scope to play as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end with relative comfort. He has a unique blend of speed and size, which can also make a significant difference on running downs in addition to getting after the quarterback.
Another thing that stands out when watching Hall is hand placement. The prospect is quick to get his hands into opposing offensive linemen and boasts enough power to shed blocks with ruthless efficiency.
This is also assisted by long arms and a wide wing span that makes Hall a difficult proposition to mirror. While the numbers weren’t extraordinary at Auburn by any stretch, it’s hard to look at his attributes and not think he won’t be more productive in the NFL.
There is a rawness to Hall’s technical prowess that needs work. But this would be an outstanding environment for the player to learn behind multiple first-rounders on the Commanders’ defensive front.
Commanders could draft Byron Young
If the Washington Commanders are looking for a little extra versatility from any potential college edge presence, then Byron Young ticks the boxes in that regard. The former Tennessee star has the ability to play coming off the edge, as a three-technique rushing from the interior, or perhaps even standing up as an outside linebacker in specific situations.
Young accumulated two years of outstanding production on the Volunteers, racking up 83 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 23.5 tackles for loss. This was backed up a sensational display at the NFL Scouting Combine, where the prospect ranked No. 3 among all defensive ends on athleticism.
More importantly where Young is concerned, it comes across on the field. His movement off the block is outstanding, he can impact proceedings with bull rush or speed around the edge, and there is enough core strength to stand his ground against the run.
There are some concerns, which isn’t uncommon for players expected to be taken in the mid-rounds. Young will be 25 years old when the season kicks off and has just two college campaigns under his belt, so the need to stamp his mark immediately is there for all to see.
The prospect could also do with adding some additional muscle mass to counteract the competition increase that the NFL brings. But from a true athletic standpoint, there’s a lot to like about Young as a core rotational piece in Washington.
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.