Which Washington Commanders’ news stories are causing significant debate as the 2023 NFL Draft officially begins later this evening?
We are finally here. The 2023 NFL Draft begins just after 8 p.m. this evening and it promises to be a highly dramatic first round with almost no guarantees besides who the Carolina Panthers might pick at No. 1 overall.
Everything is on the table where the Washington Commanders are concerned. But the magnitude of this moment for Ron Rivera and his staff cannot be understated considering the pressure on the head coach heading into the new campaign.
Among the stories making the headlines on draft morning include what comes next for Chase Young, what to expect on draft day, a late cornerback riser touted, and Sam Howel’s future.
Let’s delve into each topic in more detail.
Story No. 1
Commanders draft day arrives
After weeks of speculation and rumors, the 2023 NFL Draft will begin tonight. For the Washington Commanders, it represents the last chance to strengthen problem position groups with almost no spare financial resources available on their salary cap.
The Commanders have eight picks throughout the seven-round process. Most analysts are projecting either an offensive lineman or a potential shutdown cornerback at No. 16 overall, although nothing has been ruled out by Ron Rivera, including trading back to acquire additional capital this year and next.
Strap yourselves in, it promises to be another rollercoaster ride. One that will go a long way to determining how successful the Commanders will be next time around.
Late CB riser in play for Commanders
Speculation has been running wild about the Washington Commanders’ plans during the 2023 NFL Draft. Ron Rivera stated that the team could do anything after some impressive free-agent signings, but there are a few desperate needs that require immediate attention before anything else.
Primarily, the Commanders need another instant starter on their offensive line and a cornerback that could emerge as a true shutdown presence. Something that’s reflected in the countless mock drafts available across the media.
According to Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com, there is a late cornerback riser that’s in play for Washington at No. 16. The analyst revealed via sources that the team prefers Emmanuel Forbes to Joey Porter Jr. and could make their play if he’s still around.
"“The consensus has been to project the Washington Commanders to take a cornerback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, which is definitely a strong possibility. Washington loves Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon, but knows he will be long gone. Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez could also be gone by pick No. 16, but if he makes it there, the Commanders could easily end the fall. Sources say that Washington likes Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes more than Joey Porter Jr. Forbes is a candidate for the Commanders with the 16th pick.”"
Forbes is an absolute ballhawk with elite-level explosiveness and instincts. Some concerns have emerged about his frame, but the talent is there for all to see and the Commanders could do far worse than look in his direction.
Commanders remain confident in Sam Howell
While drafting a quarterback would be surprising, it cannot be dismissed entirely. Much will depend on how Eric Bieniemy perceives the Washington Commanders’ current options, but it would be a shock if this was the route those in power went all things considered.
Although Ron Rivera has declared his confidence in Sam Howell as the former fifth-round pick looks set to assume command under center, it’ll still be a nervous wait for the quarterback. Especially considering how much time Bieniemy has spent running the rule over Hendon Hooker throughout the evaluation process.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated also revealed that Marty Hurney has advocated for Anthony Richardson, but he might be long gone by No. 16 overall. However, according to Peter Schrager of NFL Network/FOX Sports, the Commanders are happy with Howell and are not going to deviate from their original plan.
This seems like the best course of action at this stage. Howell and Jacoby Brissett will push each other throughout camp and if neither works out, then the 2024 class is loaded with prospects that could become franchise-changers unless something drastic occurs next season.
Rivera won’t be around to see in this new era if Howell fluffs his lines. But there is clearly a belief within the building that the one-time North Carolina standout can make the most of this outstanding opportunity.
What next for Commanders DE Chase Young?
The Washington Commanders made their decision on defensive end Chase Young‘s fifth-year option and announced it one day before the 2023 NFL Draft. Those in power opted to let things play out with the former No. 2 overall selection, which means they now face the prospect of their starting edge-rushing tandem looking for megabucks deals once the upcoming campaign concludes.
This decision came with speculation about what the immediate future might hold for Young. The timing dictates the Commanders might be open for business regarding a potential trade for the one-time Ohio State star at some stage during the draft, which would send shockwaves through the NFL.
The topic was recently discussed by Alex Kay of The Bleacher Report, who hypothetically sent Young to the Chicago Bears for two second-round picks this year and next. Something that does look tempting when one factors everything into the equation.
"“Rather than take the risk on Young returning to full strength, the club should accept a second-rounder from a team with more financial flexibility—such as the Chicago Bears, who desperately need help on the edge after finishing dead-last in sacks this past season—to both recoup some value on the investment and clear cap space.”"
This would be a sad end to Young’s time in Washington. He was touted as a guaranteed All-Pro and potential generational talent coming out of college, so for the Commanders to give up after just three seasons is a damning indictment of the player’s current career trajectory.
Watch this space, I guess.