Commanders: 2023 NFL Draft Picks Recap, Analysis & Team Grades

And just like that, the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books. Per usual, it was a wild and unexpected ride, starting with all the Round 1 action. Day 2 and Day 3 delivered surprises of their own. Some teams capitalized on the opportunity, while others came up short. Let’s take a look at the 2023 NFL Draft recap, analysis, and grades for the Washington Commanders. NFL Draft analysts Andrew Erickson and Thor Nystrom combine to provide their thoughts below.

NFL Draft Grades for Every Team
Thor’s Draft Grades (AFC | NFC)
NFL Draft Day 1 Winners & Losers (Day 2 | Day 3)
Fitz’s Round 1 NFL Draft Picks: Dynasty Rookie Draft Outlook (Day 2 | Day 3)
Latest Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft

2023 NFL Draft Recap, Analysis & Grades: Washington Commanders

NFL Draft analysts Andrew Erickson and Thor Nystrom combine to provide their thoughts below.

Thor Nystrom’s Overview & Grades

Washington Commanders | Draft Grade: D-

Pick	Team	Position	Rank	Name	School	Comp
16	Commanders	CB6	38	Emmanuel Forbes	Mississippi St.	Jack Jones
47	Commanders	S3	83	Jartavius Martin	Illinois	L’Jarius Sneed
97*	Commanders	OL19	218	Ricky Stromberg	Arkansas	James Daniels
118	Commanders	OL8	89	Braeden Daniels	Utah	Ali Marpet
137	Commanders	ED19	138	KJ Henry	Clemson	Kemoko Turay
193	Commanders	RB20	229	Chris Rodriguez Jr.	Kentucky	Benny Snell
233	Commanders	ED36	315	Andre Jones	Louisiana	Tashawn Bower

I like CB Emmanuel Forbes fine. But in one of the deepest corner classes in years, what need was there to take him at No. 16? Washington apparently wasn’t concerned about his sub-170-pound frame. And that’s fine.

But what trump-card trait were they seeing that incited the urgency Forbes’ “ball skills”? Four of Forbes’ six picks last year were gift-wrapped on reps he had already lost.

Later, in a draft where safeties were falling, Washington watched Detroit steal the best of the entire bunch, Brian Branch, two spots before they ultimately reached for Jartavius Martin. And I like Martin! But not there.

Same story with the rest of the picks, with one exception. I did like Washington’s shot on Utah’s Braeden Daniels. He’s a sleight-but-athletic collegiate tackle whose game will translate to the interior.

Andrew Erickson’s Overview & Grades

Emmanuel Forbes was my 7^th-ranked cornerback, and the Commanders took him with Christian Gonzalez still on the board. The 166-pound DB was severely over-drafted by Washington. Woof. And to follow up Round 1 with another defensive back in Round 2 is just not what anybody would like to see. Jartavius Martin is a clear slot cornerback with sure-tackling ability but taking him inside the top 50 was another big reach by Washington.

The Commanders ended Day 2 with center Ricky Stromberg. But again, not necessarily a dire need with multiple interior offensive linemen added during the free agency period.

My favorite pick Washington made was at the start of Round 4, with tackle Braeden Daniels. Daniels is an uber-athletic tackle from Utah, that tested off the charts at the NFL Combine. He hit the 81st percentile or higher in all drills. His size at 294 pounds suggests he might be better off blocking inside, but his movement ability will make him a great depth piece. Per Sports Info Solutions, no tackle generated a higher positive run percentage when run behind than Daniels (60%).

Edge rusher K.J. Henry played alongside the freaky Myles Murphy but made a name for himself along Clemson’s defensive line ranking 5th in QB hits and 14th in hurries in 2022. It’s expected that the 24-year-old was productive with so much more experience, but numbers suggest he can get to the QB. He won’t be scaring offensive coordinators anytime soon, but he has the tools and pedigree to provide solid pass-rush depth.

The Commanders addressed their needs during the draft, but I couldn’t disagree more with the players they came away with. As a result, they earn my lowest draft grade among all 32 teams.

FINAL DRAFT GRADE: D