Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Final countdown edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Zach Harrison
- Edge Rusher | Ohio State Buckeyes
While adding another edge rusher might not seem like a significant need, the upcoming contract dilemmas surrounding Chase Young and Montez Sweat mean the Washington Commanders must start forming a contingency plan in the event one leaves the organization in the not-too-distant future.
Considering the money Washington now has tied up in their defensive tackle tandem of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, keeping Young and Sweat both happy will be difficult. Especially if the No. 2 overall pick in 2020 bounces back from two campaigns of indifferent production and injury concerns.
No team can ever have enough quality pass-rushers, either. If Zach Harrison is still around by the third round, it’s something the Commanders should seriously contemplate.
Harrison has the size and explosiveness to carve out an immediate role for himself. His burst off the snap is extraordinary and matched by some decent closing speed that gets him to the spot quickly.
Another area of the Ohio State product’s game that shines constantly is leverage. Harrison has long arms and knows exactly how to use them, which makes him an asset in setting the edge against the run as well as rushing the passer.
If Harrison can work on his flexibility, this might be a tremendous value pick for the Commanders late on Day 2. But they won’t be alone in coveting the player that’s for sure.