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Bryan Manning

2023 NFL draft: Commanders updated 1st-round big board

Now that the first wave of NFL free agency is over, most NFL teams will turn their attention to next month’s 2023 NFL draft. That doesn’t mean teams will forget about free agents, but they won’t be the focus moving forward. Teams will look toward the draft to fill remaining holes before turning back to free agency to shore up the roster.

The Washington Commanders pick No. 16 overall in next month’s draft. While the Commanders added players on the offensive line and cornerback, those positions remain atop the team’s draft board heading into next month’s draft. However, by adding two offensive linemen last week, the Commanders shouldn’t need to force a pick at No. 16.

We rank some of the best options for the Commanders with their first-round pick. Keep in mind, these aren’t rankings but players who would make sense for Washington, given its needs and who could be available. So don’t expect to see Bryce Young, Will Anderson, or C.J. Stroud on this list.

There will be some players at positions Washington may not currently need, such as defensive end, tight end, linebacker, or running back, but those are lower on the list and could fall to the Commanders and be an option.

1. Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski

Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ohio State OT Paris Johnson

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (77) blocks Michigan Wolverines DL Christopher Hinton. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez

Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez (0) returns an interception. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

4. Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon

Devon Witherspoon #31 of the Illinois Fighting Illini. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

5. Georgia OT Broderick Jones

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Broderick Jones (59). Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

6. Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr.

Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr.

7. Alabama DB Brian Branch

Alabama defensive back Brian Branch (14) makes a tackle on Kansas State running back DJ Giddens (31). Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

8. Utah TE Dalton Kincaid

Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid (86). Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

9. Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs the ball against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4). Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

10. Texas RB Bijan Robinson

Texas running back Bijan Robinson (5)

11. Florida G O'Cyrus Torrence

O’Cyrus Torrence, G, FloridaSyndication Gator Sports

12. Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison

Oklahoma offensive lineman Anton Harrison (OL22) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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