Washington Commanders
- 16. Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
- 47. Jartavius Martin, DB, Illinois
- 97. Ricky Stromburg, OL, Arkansas
- 118. Braden Daniels, OL, Utah
- 137. KJ Henry, EDGE, Clemson
- 193. Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
- 233. Andre Jones Jr., EDGE, Louisiana
The Washington Commanders brought us all a bit of shocking news leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft that they were not going to pick up the fifth-year option on former second-overall pick Chase Young. Of course, there are reasons for that, and they are understandable, but based on who Chase Young was coming out in that 2020 NFL Draft, it’s hard to believe.
With that in mind, the Commanders still have one of the best and most talented defensive fronts in the entire NFL. They can get pressure on the QB, but they know they need players who can take advantage of all that pressure. That’s why they brought in the guy with arguably the best ball skills in this class in Emmanuel Forbes out of Mississippi State.
Having Forbes in the fold is awesome for the Commanders, but I love how they supported that pick by taking the versatile Jartavius Martin out of Illinois with their very next pick. Martin plays all over the defensive backfield as a safety, slot, or outside corner if need be. I think he will be a major factor as a rookie and a fan favorite rather quickly.
The Commanders then took to upgrading the offensive line with Ricky Stromburg and Braden Daniels, two picks I really liked for them to fortify their depth on the interior and giving some starting potential with both guys.
KJ Henry on Day 3 was a solid value for the Commanders as well.
Overall, the Commanders passed on a chance to take Will Levis or Hendon Hooker, which is fine. They did a lot early on to upgrade the secondary and I think those are going to be immediate difference makers as they try to keep pace in the wildly competitive NFC East.
Grade: B