Which late rumors surrounding the Washington Commanders are drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft getting underway this evening?
It’s taken what seems like an age, but the 2023 NFL Draft is officially upon us. One that will be eventful and unpredictable in equal measure with no real consensus about the top 10 and what might come after that.
Sure, the Carolina Panthers will pick Bryce Young at No. 1 overall, but what then? Therefore, the Washington Commanders must be ready for absolutely anything and strike with conviction when opportunities present themselves.
Ron Rivera must navigate this particular draft seamlessly. The head coach is under enormous pressure once the sale becomes official, but he’s been steadfast in his approach this offseason despite the distractions and must remain so in the coming days.
With just a few short hours remaining, here are three late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Draft Rumor No. 1
Commanders won’t draft a QB early
Eric Bieniemy has spent a lot of time getting to know Hendon Hooker throughout the pre-draft assessment phase. The offensive guru was at the NFL Scouting Combine, attended Tennessee’s pro day, and also talked football with the promising quarterback on his top-30 visit to the facility for good measure.
This has led many to speculate about whether the Washington Commanders will take Hooker relatively early in the process. There is a buzz surrounding the Tennessee product going in the first round despite his age and injury history, but Peter Schrager of the NFL Network/FOX Sports indicated Ron Rivera remains happy to move forward with Sam Howell and let the chips fall where they may.
Commanders could pick Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16
It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders are on the lookout for cornerback help. Creating turnovers within the secondary was a problem last season and picking up Cameron Danztler Sr. off the waiver wire doesn’t change the fact further reinforcements need to arrive before the new campaign.
Many projections from mock drafts have the Commanders taking a cornerback at No. 16 overall. While it’s unlikely either Devon Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez will be around at this juncture, Ben Standig of The Athletic revealed that those in power have taken a keen interest in Emmanuel Forbes, who could be their guy depending on how things shake out.
"“Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes won’t be for everyone because of fears over the 166-pounder handling the NFL’s physicality. But the 6-foot-1 corner with 4.35 speed is a dynamic playmaker who set an NCAA record by returning six of his 14 interceptions for touchdowns. Washington had 336 defensive “splash plays” last season, per TruMedia, tied for 26th, and ranked 28th with nine interceptions. Those paltry numbers make a fluid ball attacker like Forbes appealing, and the Commanders are interested.”"
Forbes is a little on the light side, but his natural instincts and elite speed are exactly what the Commanders need. More importantly, the former Mississippi State stud knows how to punish mistakes with turnovers and in many cases, takes them to the house.
Adding Forbes to a cornerback room that also includes Dantzler, Kendall Fuller, and Benjamin St-Juste has potential. Even if some deem this as something of a reach in the mid-first round.
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.