The Washington Commanders are the current favorites for Bijan Robinson, but this 7-round mock draft goes in a different direction.
For the Washington Commanders, the 2023 NFL Draft presents several opportunities. Yes, there is belief in the building in Sam Howell, and Jacoby Brissett was signed in free agency, but the reported crazy start to the draft we could see on Thursday could open up a door for one of the top quarterbacks.
If not, though, Washington is set up to have different avenues in the first round. They have been the betting favorites to land Texas running back Bijan Robinson, who could elevate the running back room substantially.
Washington Commanders 2023 Mock Draft
But, the offensive line is another route to go. Yes, Andrew Wylie just signed with them in free agency, but a move inside for him opens the door to add one of the top four tackles, should any fall to 16. Defensive back is on the table as well, but watch out for a guard like O’Cyrus Torrence too.
Whatever happens, expect the unexpected from the Washington Commanders. This Commanders mock draft traverses seven rounds to look at a possible outcome of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Note: this mock draft was completed using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator.
Round 1, Pick 16: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Best player available takes precedence for the Washington Commanders here at the 16th pick. Benjamin St-Juste took a nice step in year two, and Kendall Fuller still plays solid ball in the slot, but Deonte Banks could create a great duo on the perimeter. Banks is the traditional press-man corner with great size and speed for the position, but his technique is what shines. He has great footwork and reaction skills to disrupt and erase one side of the field, and make life difficult for opposing receivers. He keeps up that disruption at the catch point, and will be an ally against the run.
Round 2, Pick 47: Steve Avila, G, TCU
While the offensive line is a solid group, there’s no reason to stay complacent in Washington. If you want to see what Howell has, giving him the best five to keep him upright should be the plan. If you don’t, then make sure the group is ready to roll for the next young quarterback drafted by the organization. Steve Avila is a guard with great size, impressive functional athleticism to thrive in any blocking scheme, and he’s extremely difficult to push backward in pass protection. Even Jalen Carter had some struggles doing so in the National Championship game.
Round 3, Pick 97: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Is there still some hope for Jamin Davis? Potentially, and if he can find his way as a run and chase player, excellent. But, no one else is signed beyond 2023, and finding a MIKE linebacker is the next step. His stock was higher at the beginning of the cycle, but Noah Sewell can still carve out a role. He’s got the ability to man things coming downhill as a run defender and has strong processing skills and gap integrity. Let him do the dirty work and find others who can operate in space beside him.
Round 4, Pick 118: Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri
There’s never any hurt in adding more pass rushers, but for the Washington Commanders, they should be doing just that in the 2023 NFL Draft. Chase Young hasn’t lived up to the billing of the number two overall pick, and Montez Sweat is a free agent after 2023.
Isaiah McGuire packs impressive power in his punch, setting a strong edge against the run and taking advantage when tackles get out over their skis. He gave Broderick Jones trouble back in the fall. As a pass rusher, he doesn’t quite have the expanded toolbox, but he can convert explosion to power well, especially after his third step. He plays low with good leverage and gives himself every advantage he can to create pressure.
Round 5, Pick 150: Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh
Tackle depth might be the last thing on the mind of the Washington Commanders, but if Carter Warrens is available this late, it’s worth it. Warren has taken all but 11 snaps at left tackle in his career, but can play the other side in a pinch, as he did against Tennessee in 2021. The quicks, set variance, and strong footwork to mirror will be a delight for any team to add on day three of the draft.
Round 6, Pick 193: Mo Ibrahim, RB, Minnesota
We’ve talked about the running back room in Washington, and it needs some sort of upgrade. Mo Ibrahim‘s fourth seasons was cut short by an Achilles injury, and he somehow came out one year later and delivered a 1,665-yard season. That isn’t normal. Ibrahim runs tough, is elusive in a phone booth, and has some burst to rip off chunk runs. He had 10 100-yard games in 2022 and two games above 200 yards.
Round 6, Pick 215: Jason Taylor II, SAF, Oklahoma State
A potential steal in round six for the Washington Commanders, Jason Taylor II is an aggressive safety. Taylor has strong football instincts and is great at reading the quarterback’s eyes. He’s quick to close on the ball and can convert opportunities into turnovers. Taylor also isn’t afraid to come up to help in the run game with great stopping power.
Round 7, Pick 233: Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma
Why not add another target in the passing game with the final pick in this Commanders mock draft? Brayden Willis is a true H-back with the ability to play the fullback role but also take on duties as a receiving tight end. The tight end room in Washington doesn’t have that star just yet, but Willis can fill a role that currently isn’t filled.