You can’t say the Washington Commanders haven’t done their due diligence for secondary help ahead of next week’s 2023 NFL draft.
The Commanders have hosted multiple cornerbacks on top 30 visits, had virtual meetings, formal combine sessions and meetings at the Senior Bowl with multiple draft-eligible defensive backs.
You can add two more recent meetings to Washington’s pre-draft list. A pair of University of Kentucky defensive backs, Carrington Valentine [virtual] and Keidron Smith [top 30 visit], met with the Commanders.
Valentine has intriguing talent. He has decent size and length, in addition to athleticism. There are concerns, as he’s not been very good in run support, and his game is still raw. Valentine should go somewhere in the fourth round or later.
The Commanders also hosted Valentine’s teammate, Keidron Smith, recently.
More player visits/meetings:
• Kentucky DB Keidron Smith met with the Commanders, Chargers & Dolphins.
• CMU RB Lew Nichols visited Green Bay Denver, and Cincy.
•Wake Forest DL Kobie Turner visited the Rams and also attended Washington’s local pro day a few weeks ago.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 19, 2023
Smith continues the trend of big cornerbacks Washington has met with. At 6-foot-2, Smith is long and has plenty of experience playing in man and zone schemes, which will make Washington’s coaches happy. Before transferring to Kentucky, Smith played four seasons at Ole Miss.
Both Kentucky cornerbacks would be good additions on day three of the NFL draft.
