News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Commanders 2023 Mock Draft Madness 6.0

AP22117565396088
A general view of the NFL Draft 2022 logo in the NFL Draft Theater, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, in Las Vegas. The 2022 NFL Draft will be held April 28-April 30. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)

The views and opinions expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of the team.

In anticipation of the 2023 NFL Draft, which will be held April 27 - 29 in Kansas City, Missouri, here's a compilation of various league experts' predictions about what the Washington Commanders will do with the No. 16 overall pick. Check back weekly until the draft for more updates.

Expert: Jordan Reid, ESPN

Selection: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State (March 27)

Analysis: Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste is a promising player, but with the Commanders potentially moving Kendall Fuller back inside to the slot, the need for another outside corner is a high priority. With an intriguing blend of size and quickness, Porter is an intriguing option. Patience will be needed with Porter as he works through his aggressive ways in his technique, but he has natural traits that make him one of the top corners in this class. Porter projects as an immediate starter in Washington.

Expert: Buck Brooks, NFL.com

Selection: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State (March 28)

Analysis: The extra-long cover corner could give Ron Rivera a shutdown defender in the mold of Josh Norman, whom Rivera coached to an All-Pro level in Carolina.

Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

Selection: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State (March 29)

Analysis: The extra-long cover corner could give Ron Rivera a shutdown defender in the mold of Josh Norman, whom Rivera coached to an All-Pro level in Carolina.

Expert: Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network

Selection: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois (March 29)

Analysis: The defensive line for the Commanders in one of the best in the NFL, but their secondary is one of the worst. They address that issue and select Devon Witherspoon. Witherspoon is a good athlete that plays physical. He will be a much-needed upgraded to a secondary that needs help.

Expert: Will Brinson, CBS Sports

Selection: Brian Branch, S, Alabama (March 29)

Analysis: Another P5 heavy draft team, Washington internally thinks it's closer to being a competitive team than most people on the outside. They add another pro-ready piece to their secondary.

Expert: Diante Lee and Nate Tice, The Athletic

Selection: Brian Branch, S, Alabama (March 28)

Analysis: Washington is in an interesting spot, with needs in the defensive backfield and offensive line in a draft full of both. Most of the top linemen are already off the board, so it makes sense to go with a perimeter playmaker who can be moved around the chessboard as needed. Given Kamren Curl's ability to perform well close to the line of scrimmage as a slot defender, Branch can join Darrick Forrest as a deep safety and execute Jack Del Rio's zone-coverage principles. Building up the spine of the defense remains the ethos in D.C.

Expert: Brad Spielberger, Pro Football Focus

Selection: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas (March 27)

Analysis: It's understandable to wonder why this is the pick with Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson on the roster already, but Gibson is entering a contract year and Commanders top personnel executives Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney have never been afraid to use premium draft capital at the position in their various stops across the NFL.

Expert: Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN

Selection: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah (March 28)

Analysis: The Commanders are loaded at every offensive skill position besides tight end, although Logan Thomas has flashed. Kincaid has yet to work out for teams but proved incredibly productive last season, catching 70 passes for 890 yards and eight touchdowns. Look no further than his 16 receptions for 234 yards and a touchdown against USC to see how effective he can be as a receiver. I think Kincaid would immediately impact the Commanders' offense and provide Sam Howell and/or Jacoby Brissett with a reliable target.

Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports

Selection: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland (March 29)

Analysis: The Commanders have to get stickier in coverage on the perimeter. They'd get an awesomely athletic corner in Banks here.

Expert: Eric Edholm, NFL.com

Selection: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland (March 27)

Analysis: Sliding back and picking up a starting-caliber corner could be a coup for Ron Rivera's defense. If they trust Banks on the outside right out of the chute, Kendall Fuller could move to the slot role.

Related Content

Advertising