Commanders’ needs match up with the strengths of the 2023 NFL draft
What would you say is the Washington Commanders’ most significant need heading into the offseason? Quarterback, offensive line and cornerback frequently come up as Washington’s top needs. However, picking at No. 16, it’s doubtful the Commanders will be able to land one of the draft’s top four passers.
With head coach Ron Rivera entering his fourth season in 2023 — a must-win season — it’s doubtful that Rivera will give up more draft picks for a quarterback who may not be able to help him next season.
There’s also the fact that the Commanders have told prospective offensive coordinator candidates that the plan is for Sam Howell to compete for the starting quarterback position in 2023. If that’s the plan, Washington will likely be in on the veteran quarterback market, which could mean Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett, Andy Dalton, or the return of Taylor Heinicke.
That leads us back to the offensive line and cornerback.
The cornerback position may be the deepest in the 2023 NFL draft. Players like Joey Porter Jr., Christian Gonzalez, Kelee Ringo, Cam Smith and Devin Witherspoon are all likely first-round picks. Other corners could land in the first round, too.
Picking at No. 16, Washington is guaranteed one of these corners. The 6-foot-2 Gonzalez is often matched with the Commanders in many mock drafts. While cornerback isn’t as big of a need as the offensive line, Washington needs another starting-level outside cornerback. And free agency hasn’t always proven to be the best route in finding those players [see William Jackson].
While you can land talented cornerbacks throughout the first three rounds, the strength is definitely in the first round.
Next up is the offensive line. Washington could use as many as four new starters in 2023. That’s not likely to happen, but you can be certain there will be at least two new starters. The Commanders probably address the guard spot in free agency. But they still need another guard and, perhaps, a center and offensive tackle.
At No. 16, the top three offensive linemen [Peter Skoronski, Paris Johnson and Broderick Jones] could all be gone. However, Washington will have options.
Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright had a tremendous week at the Senior Bowl. So did Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz, Ohio State tackle Dawand Jones and Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence. Suppose the Commanders feel No. 16 is too high for any of those players. In that case, they could move back a few positions and take the next best available player, regardless of whether it’s an interior offensive lineman or tackle.
Washington will be able to find offensive line help in each of the first three rounds, so trading back to perhaps acquire at least one more day-two pick could be a wise strategy for the Commanders.
Finally, there is the tight end position. It’s a loaded class for tight ends and many bring different skill sets to the NFL. Michael Mayer of Notre Dame is surefire first-round pick. Dalton Kincaid [Utah] and Luke Musgrave [Oregon State] could also find their way into the first round. It’s doubtful Washington looks for a tight end in the first round. But if they like one in the second or third round, there will be good options for the Commanders. Sam LaPorta from Iowa is an intriguing prospect.
The way this draft matches Washington’s needs is why the Commanders can’t trade multiple picks for another veteran quarterback. If Washington is interested in Derek Carr, it should wait until he is released. If he’s traded before he’s released, he shouldn’t be an option for the Commanders.
Outside of quarterback, the draft lines up nicely for Washington to fill multiple needs. So, like last year, moving back to acquire more picks would be a wise strategy for the Commanders.
