5 players the Commanders could have drafted over Ricky Stromberg

Commanders could have drafted Dawand Jones

• Offensive Tackle | No. 112 overall

The Washington Commanders have been crying out for consistent edge protection on their offensive line. Ron Rivera inherited a highly productive unit but valued position versatility over specialist excellence. It didn't take long for things to unravel and the head coach paid with his job.

Ricky Stromberg was an interior lineman when the need was a developmental offensive tackle who could potentially start with additional refinement. The Commanders ignored this glaring need. Even when they took a college tackle in Braeden Daniels, he was better suited to the interior and became a casualty of the new regime during final cuts.

There are several teams around the league looking at Dawand Jones with a sense of regret. The imposing tackle out of Ohio State was taken by the Cleveland Browns at No. 112 overall and immediately set about silencing his doubters. He gave up just three sacks and two penalties from 712 snaps as a rookie, displaying aggressive and assured pass protection that made him an unmitigated steal.

Jones could be forced into backup duties behind Cleveland's starting tackle tandem of Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wilis Jr. However, there's a high chance he'd be starting for the Commanders looking at the options available.

Commanders could have drafted Puka Nacua

• Wide Receiver | No. 177 overall

This is cheating a little bit. But if there was a 2023 redraft right now, Puka Nacua would be a high-end first-round pick. Everyone in the NFL looked the other way before the Los Angeles Rams ended his slide at No. 177 overall. What followed was a historic rookie campaign for the promising wide receiver.

Nacua was nothing short of exceptional, bringing in 105 receptions for 1,486 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The former Boise State star made the Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro selection. This was an extraordinary turn of events - one that very few saw coming.

Would Nacua have had as much success in Washington under Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy? It's highly unlikely. Scheme and coaching matter. Sean McVay is a master at both, so this was the perfect environment for the wideout to flourish.

The Commanders underwhelmed offensively in 2023 aside from another outstanding campaign from Terry McLaurin in difficult circumstances. Rivera and Bieniemy are gone, so hopes are high that their passing game can take off with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels under center.

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