10 critical observations from the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft

Antonio Gibson is the Commanders’ new receiving RB

Antonio Gibson is the new receiving running back. The Washington Commanders could have drafted a versatile prospect like Tulane’s Tyjae Spears – who went to the Tennessee Titans in the third round – or Illinois’ Chase Brown – who went to the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth – but they resisted.

Instead, they took Chris Rodriguez, Jr., who is essentially a Brian Robinson Jr. clone – only not quite as good. He’ll be a solid backup – a hard runner who will be able to give the Alabama product some rest every few series.

Commanders moving on from DE duo

Shaka Toney and William Bradley King are probably done in Washington. The former may have been gone regardless of how the Commanders handled the draft, but taking two edge pass rushers on Day 3 may have sealed their respective fates.

The fact that they jumped up to grab Clemson’s K.J. Henry in the fifth round suggests that defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has big plans for him. Seventh-rounder Andre Jones is listed as a linebacker, but he sure looks like a 4-3 defensive end to me.