8 prospects the Commanders must target on Day 2 of 2023 NFL Draft

Commanders could draft Tyjae Spears

• Running Back | Tulane Green Wave

It’s hard to know what the Washington Commanders are thinking at running back. If they conclude Antonio Gibson would be best suited to taking over the receiving role that JD McKissic has had for the past few seasons, then they might look at bigger backs in the middle and late rounds.

But if they want to platoon Gibson with starter Brian Robinson Jr. as the two primary ballcarriers, then Tyjae Spears would be a dynamic addition as a third-down back. He could step into McKissic’s role right away.

Spears developed into an excellent receiver by his senior year at Tulane, with the speed and open-field vision to break big plays.

Commanders could draft Chandler Zavala

• Offensive Line | North Carolina State Wolfpack

On the off-chance that the Commanders do not get some line help in Round No. 2 (Hendon Hooker is still on the board – just saying), then Chandler Zavala would be a great pick-up in the third. He is basically Steve Avila, only without quite the same combination of power and movement.

Zavala came to football a little bit late and his upside is very intriguing. From Woodbridge, Virginia.

And, as promised… in 1939, the Philadelphia Eagles drafted TCU quarterback Davey O’Brien with the fourth pick in the first round of the draft.

O’Brien, who stood 5-foot-7 and weighed in at 151 pounds, remains the lightest player ever drafted in Round No. 1. But Emmanuel Forbes makes the shortlist, along with another Eagle – Devonta Smith – and Chicago Bear 1942 draftee Frankie Albert, each of whom tipped the scales at 166.