Commanders Mock Draft: Surrounding QB Sam Howell with Top-End Talent via the 2023 NFL Draft
By Hunter Haas
The Washington Commanders were on the brink of playoff contention for much of the 2022 season. This success came despite a revolving door at quarterback. Is Sam Howell the answer? Find out in the latest Commanders mock draft.
The Commanders finished the 2022 season with an 8-8-1 record, making them the only NFC East team to fail at qualifying for the postseason. Washington floundered down the stretch, winning only one of its final five games on the campaign.
The core reason for the collapse was the constant uncertainty at the quarterback position. Trading for Carson Wentz was supposed to be the answer, but for the third consecutive season, the journeyman signal-caller finds himself on the outs with a franchise.
Taylor Heinicke is serviceable as a backup, but asking him to be more than that is a recipe for disaster. Rookie Sam Howell showed some signs in the final week of the season. The UNC product led his team to victory vs. Dallas and gave a rousing post-game speech.
Reports say that Howell will have the opportunity to win the starting job outright this offseason. The jury is still out on the viability of this plan, but for this mock draft, we will take the front office at its word.
Commanders Mock Draft: Surrounding QB Sam Howell with Top-End Talent via the 2023 NFL Draft
So, with Sam Howell entrenched at QB1, what can Washington do to maximize his chances of success? Time to get this mock draft underway!
Round 1, Pick 16: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Commanders’ most pressing need on the roster is at cornerback. Devon Witherspoon brings the toughness and demeanor necessary to be a shutdown corner in the NFL.
Round 2, Pick 48: John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota
Another massive need for Washington is the offensive line. With John Michael Schmitz, the Commanders get a versatile piece who can play either guard position or center at a high level. The Minnesota product is one of the most polished players in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Round 3, Pick 98: Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
The Commanders add another potential instant starter on the offensive line. Wanya Morris started at right tackle for the Sooners and can do the same for Washington as a rookie. Morris checks every box physically but will need to refine his technique to stick around on the outside.
Round 4, Pick 118: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
Dorian Williams is a dominant player in the box. The Tulane linebacker possesses ideal length and a freaky closing speed. Williams is a work in progress in coverage, but he would pair well with Jamin Davis.
Round 5, Pick 151: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
The Commanders have an effective trio of weapons at wide receiver. However, they lack a difference-maker at tight end. Luke Schoonmaker is still learning as a blocker, but his ability to move the chains is something Washington currently needs.
Round 6, Pick 193: Daniel Scott, SAF, California
The Commanders added to the cornerback room earlier in the mock draft; now it is time for the back end of the secondary. Daniel Scott is a specimen at safety. He boasts prototypical size and exceptional range at the position.
Round 6, Pick 215: Keylon Stokes, WR/KR, Tulsa
The Commanders add a potential Curtis Samuel replacement with one of the most exciting players in college football. Keylon Stokes is a developmental piece, but the Tulsa standout will boost the special teams unit upon arrival. Samuel is under contract for one more season; then Stokes can assume his role in the slot.
Round 7, Pick 235: Khalan Laborn, RB, Marshall
Brian Robinson Jr. is the unquestioned starter in DC. Antonio Gibson’s future is much cloudier than that. Khalan Laborn is a former five-star recruit who never quite put it together until his final year in college. The Marshall star adds more depth to the position to end this mock draft.