Which direction could the Washington Commanders go with their 2023 NFL Draft picks with a few days left before the critical event arrives?
The Washington Commanders are about to embark on one of the most important NFL Draft processes in recent memory. There is enormous pressure on head coach Ron Rivera to get things right with no salary-cap space and new ownership coming into the fold shortly, which will see his seat go from lukewarm to piping hot in the blink of an eye.
Washington seems happy enough with their free-agent acquisitions. Therefore, a strong draft could be enough for Rivera to make legitimate strides if everyone stays clear of injury next season.
There is no margin for error, which is an urgency that could crumble most. However, Rivera is made of stern stuff and has yet to deviate from his current plan despite the speculation growing about his long-term future with the franchise.
Using the Pro Football Focus simulator, we took a look at which way the Commanders might go with their picks in this special seven-round mock draft.
Round No. 1 (Trade)
Commanders trade down from No. 16 overall
Ron Rivera is renowned for examining trade-down options if he feels like it can benefit the Washington Commanders. In this scenario, a deal is struck with the Tennessee Titans, who traded down with the New York Giants before moving up again later in the process.
This gives the Commanders an extra second-round selection this year. More importantly, it also provides an additional first-rounder in 2024 to potentially use on a quarterback if Sam Howell cannot meet expectations.
Commanders draft Anton Harrison
- Offensive Tackle | Oklahoma Sooners
One prominent need for the Washington Commanders centers on the offensive line. This has been a constant thorn in the team’s side in recent seasons and something that could jeopardize Eric Bieniemy’s chances of thriving after his high-profile switch from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Expect Bieniemy to be an influential presence within Washington’s draft war room in 2023. He hasn’t come here without assurances regarding recruitment, which could lead to a shocking pick or two along the way depending on which prospects are available.
After trading down, the Commanders spend the No. 25 overall selection on a formidable offensive tackle that looks tailor-made for the next level. Anton Harrison drew interest from Washington throughout the assessment process and looks like a Day 1 edge protector in the making if his transition goes smoothly.
Harrison is a massive prospect with the length and athleticism to match. He comes from an Oklahoma program that’s been a breeding ground for top-level NFL offensive tackles in recent years, which is something that should hold plenty of weight when the time comes.
The prospect thrives in pass protection with elite footwork, outstanding hand placement, and the ability to mirror oncoming rushers with ease. Harrison could become a starting left tackle immediately despite the presence of Charles Leno Jr., but perhaps starting on the right and switching Andrew Wylie to the interior represents the best course of action.
Commanders draft Darnell Washington
- Tight End | Georgia Bulldogs
Another area where the Washington Commanders might seek additional assistance is within the tight end room. Eric Bieniemy relied heavily on the position throughout his time with the Kansas City Chiefs and if he feels like more is needed, expected another option to arrive from a deep 2023 NFL Draft class.
In terms of physical attributes, there are none entering the league this year more impressive than Darnell Washington. The former Georgia standout was an elite blocker at the college level who flashed when pass-catching chances came his way despite playing second-fiddle to Brock Bowers.
That’s no slight considering Bowers is a potential top-five selection in 2024. Washington has incredible size and explosiveness, which allows him to catch the football at its highest point and create red-zone mismatches for good measure.
If Washington puts it all together given he’s still somewhat raw right now, he could be absolutely anything. Considering Bieniemy’s success with tight ends throughout his career, there is no better coach for any incoming rookie to learn from and develop accordingly.
Having an extra second-round selection might give the Commanders a chance to pick a high-upside luxury such as Washington when the time comes. Something that could spell an end to Logan Thomas’ time with the organization either this offseason or next.
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.
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.
Commanders draft Tank Dell
- Wide Receiver | Houston Cougars
Another wide receiver, I can hear the sighs from here. However, the Washington Commanders must provide Eric Bieniemy with everything he needs to make a real go of his newfound situation after taking a leap of faith by departing the Super Bowl champions.
If that means adding another wideout via the draft, so be it. The more difference makers in the passing game Bieniemy has, the better Sam Howell’s chances will be of securing the starting quarterback job long-term.
Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson will lead the charge. But with questions surrounding Dyami Brown entering Year 3 of his professional career, Tank Dell is a chance worth taking in the mid-rounds if available.
Dell has two-straight seasons with more than 1,300 receiving yards and boasts 29 touchdowns in that span. He is an outstanding mover that can either stretch the field or shift course laterally to assist across the middle when called upon.
The one-time Houston standout is a devastating force in terms of yards after the catch. Dell has some decent body control and field vision, identifying zone coverages and finding soft spots with relative comfort.
He’s not the biggest wideout – far from it actually. But there’s just no telling what Bieniemy could do with someone like Dell within his creative offensive scheme.
Commanders draft DeMarvion Overshown
- Linebacker | Texas Longhorns
Adding another linebacker to the mix is also something the Washington Commanders should do during the 2023 NFL Draft. This is an area crying out for an athletic presence to go alongside Jamin Davis and Cody Barton, who looks set to replace Cole Holcomb after he departed in free agency for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Much will depend on if he’s around by this stage, but DeMarvion Overshown ticks all the boxes. He’s a prospect the Commanders have found out more about during their pre-draft assessments and could be considered even higher than this if they are keen to bring him on board.
Overshown is an explosive pass-rusher, albeit a little undersized. His previous experience as a defensive back makes him an asset in coverage and he also represents a sideline-to-sideline force against the run with good instincts.
As stated, Overshown needs to bulk up a little to become a true three-down threat in the NFL. But the former Texas stud has incredible skills that look tailor-made for the scheme deployed by defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.
Drafting Overshown as a key rotational piece that could become a starter quickly represents a low-risk, high-reward option on Day 3. However, there’s a good chance Washington needs to take him higher than this when one considers all elements of the equation.
Commanders draft Juice Scruggs
- Offensive Line | Penn State Nittany Lions
The offensive line has two new starting options in the form of Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie. In this scenario, the Washington Commanders have already added another after taking Anton Harrison in the first round, which should help enormously.
One cannot dismiss the possibility of another piece coming into the organization a little later in the draft. Those currently on the depth chart haven’t exactly shone of late, so an injection of energy from a deep class of interior linemen is almost assured at some stage.
Juice Scruggs is a fascinating prospect worthy of consideration. The Penn State product was utilized primarily as a center throughout his stint in college, but there seems to be enough athleticism for a transition to one of the guard positions if Washington sees fit.
Scruggs’ main asset is his quickness to get off the block and to the point of contact. He is a powerful presence with heavy hands that finishes off plays with ruthless efficiency that’s hard not to love, boasting enough core functional strength to keep opposing linemen at bay more often than not.
While Scruggs might not have a big ceiling, he’s as dependable as they come. There’s nothing flashy about his work, but the prospect does the little things well and could become a core depth piece at worst with additional technical refinement.
Commanders draft Keaton Mitchell
- Running Back | East Carolina Pirates
Another weapon for Eric Bieniemy? Why not.
One thing that stood out considerably during Bieniemy’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs was unheralded draft prospects thriving within his system. Whether it was on the offensive line, at wide receiver, or one of the running back spots, this was prevalent consistently and a big reason why they went on to achieve another Super Bowl in 2022.
There is always value to be had providing the right prospects are found to fit the scheme. If Keaton Mitchell remains on the board here, the Washington Commanders would be foolish not to seriously consider the possibility.
Mitchell comes to the NFL on the back of more than 2,500 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns over the last two seasons. That is from a running standpoint – there is a lot more to the prospect than meets the eye.
The East Carolina product is an outstanding force in the passing game. His slick route-running and big-play potential with the football in his hands stood out considerably in college, which only adds to the level of intrigue as a Day 3 steal.
While Mitchell offers little in pass protection, he could become a nice complimentary piece and gadget option behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson in the running back room. And if anyone could maximize his contribution right out of the gate, it’s Bieniemy.
Commanders draft Malik Cunningham
- Quarterback | Louisville Cardinals
The Washington Commanders are planning to move forward with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett as their primary quarterback options in 2023. It would take a drastic shift in approach for anything else given the comments throughout the process by influential figures such as Ron Rivera.
With that being said, taking a late-round flier on another option with high athletic traits could be a gamble worth examining. Especially if Eric Bieniemy has his way.
Maybe Malik Cunningham won’t ever become a productive starter at the next level. However, the Louisville product could open up Bieniemy’s offense further thanks to his electrifying athleticism and ability to run the football.
Having Cunningham as a gadget weapon in possible wildcat formations would keep opposing defenses on their toes. He is undoubtedly a work in progress throwing the football, but the Commanders could allow the signal-caller to develop at his own pace and potentially help in specific situations as Bieniemy sees fit.
There’s no harm in selecting Cunningham here. If he doesn’t work out, then it’s cost the Commanders nothing more than a seventh-round selection to find out for sure.
Emerging from the 2023 NFL Draft with this haul would be a tremendous boost for Rivera heading into Year 4 of his tenure. One that could be his last unless playoff football is attained.