Bold predictions for the Washington Commanders ahead of what promises to be a dramatic 2023 NFL Draft process for the organization.
The Washington Commanders are about to embark on an important 2023 NFL Draft. One that will be the last with Dan Snyder as owner and potentially the final time Ron Rivera gets a chance to call the shots if major strides aren’t made next season.
There are high stakes everywhere you look. This is an unpredictable draft aside from the Carolina Panthers at No. 1 overall, who’ll select a quarterback after striking their daring trade with the Chicago Bears shortly after the NFL Scouting Combine.
Rivera has been keen to point out that nothing is off the table. While the Commanders didn’t spend big in free agency, the head coach feels like the team has enough to provide an extra sense of freedom throughout the entire selection process.
With that being said, we picked out four bold predictions for the Commanders’ 2023 NFL Draft.
Bold Prediction No. 1
Commanders draft six offensive players for Eric Bieniemy
Eric Bieniemy‘s presence in the war room comes with a significant amount of intrigue. The influential figure is sure to bang the table hard for certain prospects, which is something Ron Rivera might allow considering the temperature of his seat next season.
While six picks on offense would be a surprise, it cannot be dismissed entirely. The Washington Commanders need two offensive linemen, a new tight end, perhaps another wide receiver, a running back, and even a quarterback if Bieniemy feels like it’s the best thing for his scheme.
This would put more pressure on the defensive side of things. But the core on that side of the football is already there aside from one or two problem position groups.
Commanders’ first pick will be a TE
As previously stated, Eric Bieniemy is likely to be hugely influential in the Washington Commanders’ draft process this year. The respected coach has taken a big risk by leaving the Kansas City Chiefs, so his new employers would be wise to do everything in their power to ensure this is a final destination before finally becoming an NFL head coach.
Much has been made about how Bieniemy utilized tight ends on the Chiefs as part of his system alongside Andy Reid. While that might be down to having a supremely gifted performer in Travis Kelce, adopting the same approach in a different environment seems realistic.
The Commanders don’t have anything like Kelce. So if Bieniemy wants a potential difference-maker early in the draft, then it might take priority above all else when push comes to shove.
There is a general perception that the Commanders will select either a shutdown cornerback or offensive lineman at No. 16 overall. The prospect of trading down from No. 16 overall cannot be dismissed either given Ron Rivera’s track record.
Whichever way the Commanders go in terms of board standing, it wouldn’t be particularly shocking to see their first pick spent on a tight end. Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer are atop the list, with players such as Sam LaPorta, Darnell Washington, and Luke Musgrave also being touted as potential first-rounders.
Commanders trade down twice in the first round
When one examines Ron Rivera‘s draft history, the likelihood of maneuvering up and down the board depending on how things play out seems almost guaranteed. Something the head coach didn’t dismiss when probed about the possibility during his recent media availability.
In reality, moving down from No. 16 overall seems like a smart play. This could change if a top-end prospect starts falling for some unbeknown reason, but the Washington Commanders are in salary cap hell right now, so the more picks on cheap contracts they can get, the better.
According to multiple reports, there are a few teams looking to move down the first-round pecking order. This isn’t deemed as the strongest draft class by most in the league, so the Commanders would need some assistance with a quarterback falling to maximize compensation in this scenario.
However, if they trade down and a team wants to move back into the first round for someone, then working out two deals is well worth considering. Something that would provide more picks this year and generate additional capital for a much better-looking class n 2024.
If this bold prediction came to fruition, then it might hold more weight to the claims Washington was loading up for a run at quarterback Caleb Williams next year, which was recently revealed by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated citing sources.
Commanders trade Chase Young
The NFL world was rife with rumors after the Washington Commanders decided not to pick up Chase Young‘s fifth-year option. It wasn’t the conclusion itself that was surprising – which could have gone either way – but rather the timing that was the subject of fierce debate among the fanbase.
Leaking this to The Washington Post one day before the draft is telling. Perhaps it could indicate that the Commanders are looking to remove Young entirely from the equation via trade if the price is right during the big weekend.
Young and Montez Sweat are both out of contract in 2024. There’s almost no chance Washington can keep both given the money already allocated to Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen on the defensive line, so something has to give.
If it was a choice between Young or Sweat, it’s a pretty easy one to make despite the former Ohio State star’s potential to bounce back. His teammate is more dependable and has put up decent numbers over a consistent period of time, staying relatively clear of injuries along the way.
Calls will be made by teams looking for pass-rushing assistance in the hope Young can stay healthy. If the Commanders get what they feel is a sufficient offer, they’d be foolish not to seriously consider shipping the No. 2 overall selection in 2020 somewhere else.
It might sound a little harsh. But the NFL is a business above all else.