Which Washington Commanders’ news stories are making the headlines with just one day remaining of the 2023 NFL Draft?
After a long two days so far, the Washington Commanders are gearing up for the last leg of selecting prospects from the college ranks during the 2023 NFL Draft. This will be followed by undrafted free agency, which is another chance for Ron Rivera to strengthen his options with almost no remaining salary-cap space at the team’s disposal.
Among the stories generating debate recently include Emmanuel Forbes making his statement, the Commanders’ offensive line coach choice being impacted by ownership, former quarterback Carson Wentz getting criticized, and an interesting draft Day 2.
Let’s delve into each topic in more detail.
Story No. 1
Commanders OL coach impacted by impending sale
Eric Bieniemy wasted no time in making some alterations to the coaching staff following his high-profile move from the Kansas City Chiefs. However, after a difference of opinion with previous offensive line coach John Matsko, one crucial position had yet to be filled.
This was finally confirmed as Travelle Wharton. But head coach Ron Rivera stated via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post that a restructuring of staff was needed until those in power get clarification from the group led by Josh Harris once their bid to buy the Commanders gets the green light.
Not exactly ideal, but this is the hand Rivera’s been dealt all offseason.
Commanders’ interesting draft Day 2
After scooping up cornerback Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall, the Washington Commanders had other key needs to fill on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. They decided to stand firm and take their chances at No. 47, which saw a few enticing prospects fall into the team’s lap after a flurry of trade activity in front of them.
The Commanders spurned the chance to select one of the top interior linemen in favor of Jartavius ‘Quan’ Martin, a bruising defensive back out of Illinois that has the position flexibility Ron Rivera normally looks for in his college recruits.
Martin is fast, athletic, and can make an impact in all phases. Just where he’ll be best suited in Washington remains to be seen, but he could act as a nickel cornerback and third safety option depending on what alignment Jack Del Rio is running at the time.
The pick got a mixed reaction from fans, who wanted someone like O’Cyrus Torrence and John Michael Schmitz. However, the Commanders did fortify their offensive line at No. 97 by bringing Ricky Stromberg into the fold, despite having some difficulty reaching the one-time Arkansas stud.
Took a couple tries but we finally got @Stromburski on the phone 😂@BIG100Radio | #HTTC pic.twitter.com/3WNnHorwlB
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 29, 2023
Stromberg has primarily occupied the center position in college but has the athleticism to shift to one of the guard spots if needed. There are some concerns against power rushers, but the prospect is technically sound and should compete for involvement immediately.
New Commanders CB makes intentions known
Emmanuel Forbes was all smiles after attending his first official press availability since the Washington Commanders made him their No. 16 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. But it was hard not to be taken by the player’s fierce determination to make a real success of things at the next level.
Forbes went through the emotions associated with such a high-end pick. The former Mississippi State stud also made his intentions known about what he plans to bring to a Commanders’ defense that was among the league’s best in 2022.
"“I’m going to bring a guy that’s going to have a great attitude, come in and work every day, just helping the team win games and hopefully my game is turning the ball over and create a lot of turnovers for the Washington Commanders. I’m a ball-hawking, physical cornerback, honestly. I’m gonna get the ball. I’m gonna go score with it. That’s something I pride myself on, and that’s what I plan on doing at Washington.”"
Being a ballhawk with elite-level speed is the one remaining piece missing from Washington’s defense under Jack Del Rio. The weight hasn’t seemed to bother him throughout the player’s career to date and the Commanders will already be putting a plan in place to get this up slightly.
Given the Commanders also drafted Quan Martin in Round No. 2, it should provide the secondary with a fresh injection of energy to go along with other top performers such as Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest.
Former Commanders QB criticized
Carson Wentz is still searching for alternative employment after his expected release by the Washington Commanders before free agency. Not entirely unsurprising considering the quarterback’s current career trajectory, but something could emerge once the 2023 NFL Draft process concludes.
It’s been a steep fall from grace for Wentz. His trade to the Commanders didn’t go according to plan and unless things change dramatically, then a perennial backup role is probably the best he can hope for moving forward.
Wentz – a former No. 2 overall selection out of North Dakota State – received some heavy criticism from Lou DiPietro of Audacy.com during his recent appearance on 106.7 The Fan. And to say this was scathing would be something of an understatement.
"“I’m not stunned; I was on to him the moment I talked to him – I couldn’t stand him the moment I met him. He’s plastic. You can’t believe a word he says, and even if he says stuff that makes sense, you can’t believe he means it. He’s a robot.”"
Talk about kicking a guy when he’s down. But this is not the first time something like this has been left at Wentz’s door, even if the noises coming from players within the Commanders represented an entirely different scenario.