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
2. Ohio State OT Paris Johnson
3. Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
4. Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon
5. Georgia OT Broderick Jones
6. Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr.
7. Alabama DB Brian Branch
8. Utah TE Dalton Kincaid
9. Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith
10. Texas RB Bijan Robinson
11. Florida G O'Cyrus Torrence
12. Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison
