What is the Washington Commanders biggest need heading into the 2023 NFL draft this week?
Washington isn’t taking a quarterback early, choosing to roll with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett in 2023. The Commanders will likely add a quarterback at some point in the draft, but that likely occurs on the final day.
A primary focus for Washington is adding young talent to the offensive line. Washington has largely ignored its offensive line in the draft, and that must change. The Commanders could use help all across the offensive line.
Washington will also target a cornerback, presumably sometime in the first three rounds.
We here at Commanders Wire took our shot at a Commanders-only seven-round mock draft.
Let us know what you think.
Round 1, No. 16 overall: Tennessee OT Darnell Wright
The only way Washington should not take an offensive lineman is if Devon Witherspoon inexplicably falls to them at No. 16. That’s not happening. Perhaps one of the top tackles fall, such as Paris Johnson or Broderick Jones, but Darnell Wright should be there. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s off the board. He’s a quality player who is ready to step in and start immediately at right tackle.
Round 2, No. 47 overall: Iowa LB Jack Campbell
If I was making the picks in this draft, I would give the Commanders a quality linebacker on day two. Jack Campbell is that guy. Drew Sanders is another good option, but I think he could go in the first round. Campbell could, too, but he’s been consistently viewed as a second-round pick. Campbell would make a nice pairing with Jamin Davis behind Washington’s defensive line.
Round 3, No. 97 overall: Utah CB Clark Phillips
If Clark Phillips were 6-foot and ran a 4.4 40-yard dash, he’d be a top-20 pick. However, he’s 5-foot-9 and ran the 40 in 4.51 seconds. So what. Go back and watch Phillips play. He’s an immediate starter in the slot for Washington, and picking him in the third round is much better than drafting Brian Branch anywhere on day one. Phillips would be a home run for the Commanders here, as would Illinois’ Quan Martin.
Round 4, No. 118 overall: Ohio State EDGE Zach Harrison
Washington is going to add an edge rusher at some point. Seeing Harrison on the board here is too tempting to pass up. A former five-star recruit, Harrison had a solid career with the Buckeyes but never starred. He did finish his career on a strong note. At 6-foot-5, 274 pounds, Harrison has excellent size and is worth developing. Remember, all but Chase Young is a free agent at defensive end for the Commanders in 2024, and he could be too if Washington doesn’t pick up his fifth-year option.
Round 5, No. 150 overall: UCLA G Atonio Mafi
Let’s keep building in the trenches. If I am Washington, I am coming away with at least two offensive linemen who can play early. Mafi’s best football is ahead of him. He’s not a fifth-round flier; he could challenge to start. At 6-foot-3, 338 pounds, Mafi could be an asset as a run blocker for the Commanders. Washington met with Mafi in the pre-draft process.
Round 6, No. 193 overall: Illinois RB Chase Brown
If Chase Brown is on the board this late, this is an easy call for Washington. We know the Commanders liked Brown, bringing him in for a visit. Brown had an excellent career at Illinois, capping it off with over 1,800 all-purpose yards in 2022. Brown runs hard, is decisive and has good speed. Does need to cut down on the fumbles.
Round 6, No. 215 overall: UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
There’s a chance Thompson-Robinson goes much higher than this spot. Washington wants to add a developmental/third quarterback to the room for 2023. Thompson-Robinson has plenty of experience and can offer the dual-threat capability that Washington likes from its quarterbacks. If the Commanders land Thompson-Robinson here, it would be a wise choice at this point in the draft.
Round 7, No. 233 overall: California S Daniel Scott
Another player that Washington met with in the pre-draft process. Scott offers versatility in the secondary, has plenty of playing experience and is a former team captain. Can also contribute on special teams. Scott would be a seventh-round selection that could make Washington’s roster as a rookie.
