7 prospects the Commanders must consider on Day 3 of 2023 NFL Draft

Commanders could draft Owen Pappoe

• Linebacker | Auburn Tigers

Adding another linebacker with the potential to occupy a key rotational role at worst is something the Washington Commanders must target at some stage on Day 3. Someone with the athletic intangibles of Owen Pappoe looks tailor-made for Jack Del Rio’s system and could become a sideline-to-sideline force with further development.

Pappoe has outstanding closing speed and is equally adept on running downs or passing plays. Although the sack numbers aren’t great, the former Auburn standout has the explosiveness and can bend around the edge with minimal fuss when opportunities arise.

There are concerns about Pappoe’s frame, which isn’t the biggest compared to other productive NFL linebackers. The prospect’s numbers compared to his physical profile mean he has yet to put everything together consistently, too.

Commanders could draft Jaelyn Duncan

• Offensive Line | Maryland Terrapins

Finding another offensive tackle for depth purposes if nothing else should be high on the Commanders’ list of priorities. They took an interest in Jaelyn Duncan throughout their pre-draft assessments, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see them go with the former Maryland stud at some stage.

Duncan has long arms and enough functional strength to keep oncoming pass-rushers out of harm’s way. He looks more suited to pass blocking rather than impacting proceedings against the run, where he does struggle on occasions.

With that being said, it’s all about the upside at this stage of the draft. Make no mistake, Duncan has a ton of that with a strong work ethic to boot.