How did each Washington Commanders grade out during what turned out to be another highly eventful 2023 NFL Draft for the franchise?
After a dramatic and exhausting three days, the Washington Commanders have their 2023 NFL Draft class. Ron Rivera and his staff stuck to their principles throughout, identifying needs and landing some top targets without sacrificing much in the way of capital, leaving the franchise with seven new faces that can hopefully transition well.
The Commanders did make one trade up the pecking order to ensure they got their hands on edge rusher K.J. Henry. However, those in power ended the speculation surrounding Chase Young’s future and also reaffirmed their faith in quarterback Sam Howell despite Will Levis and Hendon Hooker slipping into tempting areas.
There won’t be much time for Washington’s brass to bask in this glory. Senior figures return for the start of on-field voluntary workouts on Monday, with rookie minicamp, OTAs, and the team’s annual training camp also on the immediate horizon.
With the sale expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, this is an exciting time for the Commanders. One that comes with genuine hope of sustainable, long-term success after languishing in mediocrity or worse for decades.
With that being said, we took a look at how things unfolded throughout the weekend and graded every pick from the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft class.
Commanders drafted Andre Jones Jr.
- Outside Linebacker | Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Rounding off the Washington Commanders’ selections during the 2023 NFL Draft was a dynamic outside linebacker who looks set to bolster the team’s pass-rushing options from a rotational role. Andre Jones Jr. was their guy at No. 233 overall and hopefully, he can add his name to the list of seventh-round selections that went on to thrive at the next level.
Jones is an intelligent player. This bears more significance in pass-rushing situations, where he manipulates offensive linemen well, causing them to lose leverage before taking advantage.
There is also plenty to like about Jones’ pre-snap recognition and anticipation. He’s not the most explosive by any means, but the former Louisiana star makes up for this with outstanding timing and nifty footwork that can cause complications.
The Commanders are getting a hard worker, too. Jones’ motor is high, but he needs to refine his pass-rushing repertoire and also work on generating a little extra bend around the edge when going up against NFL-caliber veterans who’ll be ready for anything.
Draft Grade: B
This part of the draft is all about taking fliers and hoping they work out. Jones was a chance worth taking and having the player learn from experienced figures such as Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Efe Obada should help tremendously.
Commanders drafted Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- Running Back | Kentucky Wildcats
Eric Bieniemy got himself a new weapon to call upon when the Washington Commanders selected Chris Rodriguez Jr. at No. 193 overall. The running back joins a room that also consists of Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson, which could be a highly productive trio providing the offensive line live up to their end of the bargain.
Rodriguez comes into the NFL on the back of four decent seasons at Kentucky. He broke out in a big way in 2021 en route to 1,378 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, displaying a power-type presence with a thick frame that made him a difficult proposition to bring down.
His production dipped slightly last season thanks in no small part to his suspension following a DUI, but Rodriguez could offer another option in short-yardage situations or in the red zone if Bieniemy sees fit.
Rodriguez doesn’t have pure breakaway speed – far from it, actually. However, he is a patient runner with enough burst to go through gaps when they arrive and boasts decent contact balance to keep his legs churning.
Draft Grade: B
There is some work ahead in terms of pass-blocking and becoming a threat in the passing game. Rodriguez doesn’t look like a readymade replacement for the released J.D. McKissic, but Bieniemy obviously saw enough in the one-time Wildcat to take the plunge.
Commanders drafted K.J. Henry
- Edge Rusher | Clemson Tigers
The Washington Commanders didn’t trade Chase Young as many expected despite not picking up his fifth-year option. Despite that, finding another explosive young edge rusher was a priority at some stage during the 2023 NFL Draft considering the Ohio State product and Montez Sweat are both out of contract next spring.
When the opportunity arose, the Commanders stuck with conviction, moving up to No. 137 overall for K.J. Henry. The former Clemson star carved out a decent rotational role for himself under Dabo Sweeney, emerging as a valuable contributor behind two players that went higher up the pecking order in the form of Bryan Breese and Myles Murphy.
Henry isn’t the most explosive, but he makes full use of the tools at his disposal. With 28 tackles for loss and 13 sacks throughout his college career, he’s also more than capable of coming in at a moment’s notice and making an impact.
The prospect’s hand placement at the point of contact is excellent. Henry manipulates opposing offensive linemen well, which allows him to gain leverage or set the edge against the run with relative comfort.
Draft Grade: A
Whether Henry can cope with true starting reps against NFL-caliber opposition is a shot in the dark, to a certain extent. But there are plenty of signs that suggest the defensive end can continue his upward trend on a stacked Commanders front.
Commanders drafted Braeden Daniels
- Offensive Line | Utah Utes
- Round No. 4 (Pick No. 118)
The Washington Commanders took two defensive backs to open the 2023 NFL Draft. After that, the primary focus shifted towards finding athletic young offensive linemen capable of bolstering depth or winning starting jobs.
One thing that Ron Rivera values above most other traits in this area of the field is position versatility. Something Braeden Daniels has in abundance despite his lack of prototypical height to play as an NFL edge protector.
While Daniels played the majority of his snaps at Utah as an offensive tackle, his frame indicates a switch to the interior once he gets to the Commanders. The prospect is technically sound with the footwork needed to mirror oncoming rushers, which went a long way to not allowing a single sack on the blindside in 2022.
The Commanders were right to see Daniels as a development project that can be molded into a potentially productive performer. His progress in college dictates positive reactions to coaching, which was particularly eye-catching where hand placement and snap timing were concerned.
Draft Grade: B+
While Daniels’ fundamental strength is a concern, the scope for further growth is evident. And if he ends up becoming a starter, this could be another NFL Draft steal for the Commanders when it’s all said and done.
Commanders drafted Ricky Stromberg
- Offensive Line | Arkansas Razorbacks
After taking defensive backs over the opening two rounds, the calls to select an offensive lineman were deafening. Thankfully, this was also something recognized by the Washington Commanders, who spent the No. 97 overall selection on Ricky Stromberg after the prospect impressed those in power considerably throughout their assessments.
Stromberg wasn’t the flashiest pick, but it was a decent one all things considered. The former Arkansas stud is a strong pre-snap communicator with the sort of positional versatility Ron Rivera loves in every offensive lineman at his disposal.
While Stromberg spent the majority of his college career at the center position, one cannot dismiss the possibility of switching to guard depending on what the Commanders have planned with Nick Gates. There is also the return to health of Chase Roullier to consider, although he could be a post-June 1 cap casualty when push comes to shove.
The third-round pick has nice footwork and is technically sound in pass protection. Stromberg did have trouble when going up against the top-level SEC defensive linemen, but the tools are there to suggest he can force his way into the starting lineup sooner than anticipated.
Draft Grade: B
The Commanders came away from their meetings with Stromberg confident he can become an asset. Whether this happens immediately will be dependent on how he reacts to competing against a stout Washington defensive front daily at practice.
Commanders drafted Quan Martin
- Defensive Back | Illinois Fighting Illi
To say this was surprising would be an understatement. Especially considering the Washington Commanders had already spent their first-round pick on a cornerback with shutdown potential.
Despite some outstanding offensive linemen there for the taking. Ron Rivera resisted the urge in favor of drafting Quan Martin, a formidable defensive back out of Illinois who looks like an outstanding scheme fit for Jack Del Rio’s system.
Again, this has position versatility written all over it. Martin can operate as a nickel cornerback, as a third safety, or perhaps even as a linebacker thanks to his willingness to make a significant difference against the run.
Martin plays physically and isn’t afraid to stamp his mark with supreme authority. There are some complications tracking the football downfield, which is why the prospect could be best suited to the slot upon examining his full body of work.
There is a lot to like about the disciplined nature of Martin’s production. He is rarely flustered, has decent instincts, and could even be used on blitz packages when the situation dictates.
Draft Grade: B-
This low-ish grade isn’t so much about the player. However, spurning the likes of O’Cyrus Torrence and John Michael Schmitz might be a major mistake if both prospects reach expectations.
Commanders drafted Emmanuel Forbes
- Cornerback | Mississippi State Bulldogs
While the Washington Commanders picking Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall was seen as a reach by many, that was not an opinion shared by the primary decision-makers. Ron Rivera and his staff had their eye on the cornerback as a primary target and when they got the chance, it was an easy call for those in positions of power.
Forbes was college football’s biggest ballhawk in 2022 and held the record for most pick-sixes. He is an electrifying player who thrives in coverage thanks to elite-level reactions and speed that allows him to cover all over the field with ease.
There are some potential concerns about Forbes’ build. He’s one of the lightest-ever prospects taken in the first round, which could become a liability against the run unless some muscle mass is added throughout the preparation period.
With that being said, Forbes is a difference maker. A player capable of creating turnovers and taking them for scores at any given moment – precisely what the Commanders were looking for within their cornerback room.
Draft Grade: A
I’ve been extremely high on Forbes during the evaluation process. He’s got that X-factor needed to become a shutdown cornerback at the next level, so it’s not hard to see Rivera and the Commanders were so high on his exceptional athletic attributes.
However, Forbes will always be tied to Christian Gonzalez, who fell out of the top 10 and eventually went to the New England Patriots at No. 17.