10 critical observations from the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
By Jonathan Eig
Commanders go back to Louisiana
Speaking of Andre Jones, this makes back-to-back years that the Washington Commanders have chosen a Ragin’ Cajun from the University of Louisiana. The start of an ongoing trend, perhaps?
The last time Washington drafted a player from that school? Well, it was known as Southwestern Louisiana back in 1990 when Washington selected Brian Mitchell in the fifth round.
Commanders stuck to their guns at QB
A lot of us thought the Commanders would draft a developmental quarterback. They did not.
They may have thought the cost for Jake Haener (round four) was too high. The same might apply to Dorian Thompson-Robinson (round five).
I hope they at least considered Max Duggan in the seventh, but no matter the reason, they did not take anyone. Nor did they sign one of the intriguing undrafted free agents. Malik Cunningham signed with the New England Patriots. The Chicago Bears Chicago scooped up Tyson Bagent. And the Detroit Lions inked Adrian Martinez.
This confirmed what many expected before the draft. Ron Rivera is happy to move forward with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett next season and their success could be the determining factor behind his long-term future with the organization.