3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft

Commanders hoping a top OT prospect falls

Another glaring area where the Washington Commanders could use help is the offensive line. Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie were useful additions over the free-agent period, but those in power need another productive starter or two to further raise confidence in the unit next season.

Again, a large section of mock drafts have the Commanders going in this direction. But head coach Ron Rivera was keen to point out nothing is off limits after what he believed was a successful period of free agency for the franchise.

Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com, who was another that lent weight to the Emmanuel Forbes interest, also stated that the Commanders could be hoping that one of the top offensive tackle prospects falls into their laps. Or in the worst case, to a position where a slight trade-up comes into the equation.

"“Another route Washington might go, according to sources, is offensive tackle. The Commanders are hoping that a quality tackle slides to them, so they have that option to consider as well. Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski, Tennessee’s Darnell Wright and Georgia’s Broderick Jones could all be off the board by No. 16, but if one of them slides, the Commanders might end that fall.”"

While trading back is more likely given Rivera’s track record and typically conservative approach, that could change if there’s a run on high-quality edge protectors. The Commanders won’t want to be left without, but they might get lucky at the same time.