Which Washington Commanders news stories are making the headlines as Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft is officially in the rearview mirror?
It was an eventful 2023 NFL Draft with plenty of drama attached – especially early on in the process with multiple trades up and down the pecking order. For the Washington Commanders, they found a potential difference-maker in a position of need and more importantly, got the guy those in power wanted despite a couple of fallers that warranted consideration.
Among the news stories making waves include Day 2 of the draft is officially on deck, Chase Young’s status, the Commanders think they’ve found the total package in Emmanuel Forbes, and the latest sale update bringing huge encouragement.
Let’s delve into each topic in more detail.
Story No. 1
Commanders embark on draft Day 2
After the Washington Commanders solidified their cornerback room at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Ron Rivera and his staff and putting the plans in place for what promises to be a fascinating Day 2. And looking at the prospects available, there are numerous avenues the team could go down in pursuit of progression next season.
The Commanders have two picks – at No. 47 and No. 93. Whether trading down becomes an option if someone like quarterback Will Levis is still on the board remains to be seen, but finding offensive line help is an absolute must after two NFC East rivals fortified their defensive fronts in Round No. 1.
It’ll be interesting to see what moves remain for the Commanders. But they seem pretty pleased with how things unfolded on opening night.
Commanders set to keep Chase Young?
After speculation ran rampant about the Washington Commanders potentially trading Chase Young during the 2023 NFL Draft after deciding not to pick up his fifth-year option, it was all quiet on the Western front. Dan Graziano of ESPN stated that those in power could be receptive to an offer for either the defensive end or Montez Sweat, but this hasn’t materialized as yet.
According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, the Commanders are not looking to ship Young off despite the Ohio State product and his aforementioned teammate both becoming free agents in 2024. However, if an astronomical offer came along, it might be a different story.
"“The consensus I heard this morning from league sources on reported Chase Young trade talk earlier this am.. “Highly unlikely” unless the Commanders are offered a deal they can’t refuse… Another added, “(like) two 1st rounders.” Market reaction may consider that high.”"
Obviously, this was a supposed price that other teams were unwilling to sacrifice given Young’s injury history. It does seem a little steep based on the player’s current trajectory, but the Commanders are running a real risk of losing him or Sweat for nothing given the cash already committed to Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen on the defensive front.
Something could still happen on Day 2, obviously. But for now, Young is on the books and eager to start silencing his doubters.
Commanders get the total package in Emmanuel Forbes
There were a few eyebrows raised when the Washington Commanders avoided the temptation of taking Christian Gonzalez in favor of Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall. But the late buzz surrounding the explosive cornerback proved true and he was their guy.
Forbes had been on the Commanders’ radar throughout the process. The ballhawk comes into the NFL on the back of a phenomenal final season at Mississippi State and has the credentials that were sorely lacking within Washington’s cornerback room last time around.
General manager Martin Mayhew went one step further when speaking with the team’s website, claiming concerns about his size don’t come across on tape and the Commanders are getting the total package at the position where Forbes is concerned.
"“When you watch his tape, you don’t know that he’s that light. He doesn’t look like that on tape. The guy just has a really good feel as a corner and he has got really good length for press coverage as well. I should mention that. I mean, we talk about his size, but we haven’t talked about his length. He’s tall and he’s long. He gets his hands on guys in press. He disrupts routes, so he’s the total package. He really is.”"
Forbes is competitive, physical, and ultra-fast. His reactions and anticipation are matched by soft hands that made him a turnover machine, which can hopefully transition to the pros and help Washington’s defense take another monumental leap in 2023.
Commanders’ sale edges closer
Just before the 2023 NFL Draft officially got underway, there was a major update in the tentative sale agreement between Dan Snyder and the ownership group led by Josh Harris. And according to the Commissioner himself, something could get rubber-stamped sooner rather than later.
A report from A.J. Perez from Front Office Sports stated that the Washington Commanders sale was being treated like a final countdown of sorts with everything progressing well. This came after the initial documents sent over to the league needed every few alterations attached.
This sentiment was echoed by Roger Goodell, who added when speaking to ESPN that an official announcement of confirmation could be coming next month if everything keeps moving forward on its current trajectory.
"“That progress will hopefully lead to them being comfortable to announce some type of a transaction probably by the middle of May or late May.”"
Harris and his group will deliver a presentation to the NFL’s finance committee on May 10. If that goes well and various other checks are clean, then the league could bring a vote to owners at the next batch of meetings on May 22 to finally remove Snyder from the equation.
While the primary focus is on the draft, this news was met with widespread approval from the fanbase. After so much turmoil under Snyder and months of speculation, the end is finally in sight.