Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Final countdown edition

Commanders draft Julius Brents

• Cornerback | Kansas State Wildcats

Ignoring the cornerback position over the first two days would be a major mistake by the Washington Commanders. Their need at the spot hasn’t changed despite acquiring Cameron Dantzler Sr. off the waiver wire and this does look like a top-heavy class to capitalize on all things considered.

After the first two picks focused on the offensive side of things, the Commanders spent the No. 47 overall selection on Julius Brents in this scenario. The former Kansas State star has supreme physicality and athleticism for the position, which resulted in a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score after an exceptional testing period.

Perhaps the most important thing is how well this translates to Brents’ tape. The cornerback thrives in press coverage, getting wide receivers off their routes quickly and boasting the tackling ferocity to nail them at the catch point.

While he’s a little older than most cornerback prospects, Brents can slot in immediately providing some positional discipline is worked out early in his development. Every other physical intangible is there and the prospect offers something the Commanders don’t currently possess within their secondary.

Others will be considered – especially at No. 16 overall if trade calls don’t arrive. But the Commanders could do far worse than look in Brents’ direction at this juncture.