The Commanders continued to pour draft capital into their defense this year, selecting two cornerbacks, two edge rushers, one center, one guard, and one running back.
They reached on Emmanuel Forbes over consensus second-best corner Christian Gonzalez and then used their next pick on another college corner in Jartavius Martin, who may be used at safety.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the Commanders’ NFL Draft Recap.
Commanders NFL Draft Picks 2023
- Round 1, Pick 16 Overall: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
- Round 2, Pick 47 Overall: Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois
- Round 3, Pick 97 Overall (Compensatory): Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
- Round 4, Pick 118 Overall: Braeden Daniels, OG, Utah
- Round 5, Pick 137 Overall (From ARI via BUF): KJ Henry, EDGE, Clemson
- Round 6, Pick 193 Overall: Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
- Round 7, Pick 233 Overall: Andre Jones Jr., EDGE, Louisiana
Commanders NFL Futures Odds
Now that the NFL Draft is complete, get ready for the 2023-24 NFL season with the latest Commanders odds and futures betting markets.
Commanders Draft Grade 2023
Commanders NFL Draft Grade: D
I gave the Commanders a D for reaching on Forbes over Gonzalez in the first while using their second-rounder on another defensive back. It’s just too much investment of their premium draft capital on the same position.
Click to see our full report card of 2023 NFL Draft Grades.
Note: The following information was written prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Commanders Draft Team Needs 2023
1. Quarterback
While they signed Jacoby Brissett and appear to like Sam Howell, this is an underwhelming group of quarterbacks. Brissett played well last year, but he’s a career backup, while Howell is a former fifth-round pick.
If a quarterback falls into the Commanders’ lap, they should pounce.
2. Tight End
Logan Thomas is a competent tight end, but Washington will be in a position to draft the top player at this position in Dalton Kincaid. The Utah star has the traits to develop into one of the best tight ends in football.
He’d provide Washington with a major weapon in the red zone.
3. Cornerback
Washington currently has a good corner in Kendall Fuller (76.6 PFF Grade), but they could see some depth or a potential upgrade on Benjamin St-Juste (58.3 PFF Grade). They claimed Cameron Dantzler off waivers, but he wasn’t good last year (63.1 PFF Grade), either.
Commanders May Also Consider Drafting: Offensive Tackle, Running Back
Commanders NFL Draft Round 1 Mock 2023
- Round 1, Pick 16 Overall: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
As of April 7, our own Anthony Cervino is predicting the Commanders will pick this athletic passer with ideal size and arm strength to be their new franchise quarterback. Read our full NFL Mock Draft.
Commanders NFL Draft Pick History
Commanders NFL Draft Picks 2022
- Round 1, Pick 16 (16th Overall): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
- Round 2, Pick 15 (47th Overall): Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
- Round 3, Pick 34 (98th Overall): Brian Robinson, RB, Alabama
- Round 4, Pick 8 (113th Overall): Percy Butler, S, Louisiana
- Round 5, Pick 1 (144th Overall): Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
- Round 5, Pick 6 (149th Overall): Cole Turner, TE, Nevada
- Round 7, Pick 9 (230th Overall): Chris Paul, G, Tulsa
- Round 7, Pick 19 (240th Overall): Christian Holmes, CB, Oklahoma State
