We are just one day away from the 2023 NFL draft, and the Washington Commanders go on the clock at No. 16 overall.
The Commanders could go several ways with their first pick; however, they spent much of the pre-draft process focusing on offensive linemen and cornerback. That’s not by coincidence. Last year, Washington heavily scouted wide receivers and selected Jahan Dotson in the first round.
Ideally, Washington general manager Martin Mayhew would love to move back in round one and add additional picks in this draft or, perhaps, in 2024. Of course, you need a trade partner, and the Commanders need top players from premium positions to fall to become an attractive trade partner.
Remember, Washington picked at No. 11 last season and moved to No. 16 in a trade with the Saints, adding two additional selections, which landed the Commanders Sam Howell and Brian Robinson Jr.
For now, we’ll assume Washington remains at No. 16, and we’ll rank the five positions in the order we believe the Commanders will focus on with their top pick.
1. Offensive line
The board must break right for the Commanders to select an offensive lineman here. If one of the four, Peter Skoronski, Broderick Jones, Paris Johnson, or Darnell Wright falls, one of them should be the pick unless the Commanders can move back. Instead of one position on the offensive line, we listed the entire group because Washington can use help at guard, center and tackle.
2. Cornerback
Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez are pipe dreams. If Witherspoon fell, Washington should send that card in immediately. The Commanders are adding a defensive back fairly high, and it wouldn’t be a shock if that’s in round one. Deonte Banks, Emmanuel Forbes, Joey Porter Jr. and Brian Branch are names to know.
3. EDGE
If Nolan Smith and/or Lukas Van Ness are on the board at No. 16, this could be interesting. Remember, Montez Sweat is entering his contract year and the Commanders haven’t picked up Chase Young’s fifth-year option yet. Also, backups James Smith-Williams, Efe Obada and Casey Toohill are all free agents in 2024. Don’t be shocked if this is the pick.
4. Tight end
This is a deep class, and if Washington is going to add a tight end, you’d think it would be in the early rounds or not at all. Remember, the Commanders have three second-year players they like in Armani Rogers, Cole Turner and Curtis Hodges. Logan Thomas and John Bates are back as the top two tight ends. Let’s say Washington can’t find a trade partner, and the top four offensive linemen are gone, and Dalton Kincaid is on the board. While I would still be surprised if the Commanders take a tight end in the first round, it’s not impossible.
5. Quarterback
We are only listing this here because some have mentioned Hendon Hooker as a possibility for the Commanders in round one. We know they like him, but they also like Sam Howell and are committed to seeing what he can do as the starter. If this were the second round, it would be much more interesting. It’s highly doubtful Washington selects a quarterback in the first round, much less at No. 16 overall.
