Commanders 7-round mock draft: Trades, surprises in final 2023 edition
By Jonathan Eig
Commanders draft Chase Brown
- Running Back | Illinois Fighting Illi
This was my first trade. I got a chance to swap a late third-rounder for a fourth and a fifth. The Green Bay Packers used the Washington Commanders’ pick to take tight end Sam LaPorta, and I would have strongly considered him had I held the selection.
But I am very happy to get Chase Brown, a versatile, athletic running back who can run, catch, and block equally well. He has excellent speed for a 210-pounder and would be a perfect complement to both Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson.
Chase Brown is a FREAK 😳
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) March 20, 2023
Brown led all RB’s in the vertical jump, broad jump, and bench press at the NFL Combine.
Brown was also fourth among ALL college RB’s in rushing yards last season with 1,643.
Don’t sleep on the Illinois RB. pic.twitter.com/WFUXtPULz6
Commanders draft Ricky Stromberg
- Offensive Line | Arkansas Razorbacks
I was able to trade back twice and get Ricky Stromberg, a very tough veteran who also played against elite SEC defenders for his entire career. He began at guard and then played center his final three seasons as an Arkansas Razorback.
Stromberg looks like a throwback to classic Hogs. He isn’t the biggest guy on the field, though he is big enough. He isn’t the fastest, though he is fast enough. He has very good technique and finishes a lot of plays with his defender on the ground.
If he isn’t exactly Russ Grimm, he is as close as you will find in a fourth-rounder this year. He could probably start at center right away, though I would think he would be worked in at both guard and center more gradually.