Washington Commanders need to build DBs through the draft
By Hunter Noll
In recent years the Washington Commanders have taken steps in the right direction. It seems like every season there is reason to have optimism about at least one position that was weak the year before.
It’s easy to spot those positions. Quarterback has been a struggle for years. The offensive line seems to constantly be changing. Linebackers are a crapshoot at this point. What about the secondary, though?
Out of all the positions, it seems like it’s the secondary that is consistently getting the “much improved” tag before seasons. The reason it gets the tag often is that it never seems to live up to the hype.
So what’s the issue?
There are a number of different potential arguments you could make for this. One thing that stands out, however, is the Commanders’ strategy for the position. Look at their last few seasons. Making trades for veterans. Signing veterans. Kendall Fuller’s been solid (technically they drafted him but then traded him, then traded for him). Josh Norman was a bust after a strong first year. William Jackson III didn’t work out. Landon Collins was, yikes.
Meanwhile, some of their best players have come from the draft. Benjamin St-Juste has proven to be a solid cornerback. Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest have given the team strong safety play as well. Even Jeremy Reaves has made an impact.
What’s really crazy about those four? St-Juste was the earliest draft pick, being a third-rounder. Forrest was taken in the fifth, Curl in the seventh, and Reaves was undrafted.
Some of Washington’s biggest contributors in the secondary have come from the draft. Now imagine if they actually focus on that issue this year.
Devon Witherspoon, Joey Porter Jr., Christian Gonzalez, Deonte Banks, and more are all available in the 2023 NFL Draft. Washington has the 16th overall pick, go get one of them. The Commanders are starting to fill out a really promising roster. It’s time to clean up that secondary. Looking to the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft is the way to do just that.