Commanders land help at key positions in 3-round mock draft
The Washington Commanders introduced new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy this week. Adding Bieniemy was a coup for Washington as it enters the fourth season of head coach Ron Rivera’s tenure in 2023.
With the coaching staff mostly complete, Washington will add 2-3 more assistants; the Commanders can look to retaining their own free agents and adding to the roster.
Washington has some decisions with its roster before free agency begins next month. But before free agency begins, we have the NFL combine. This week, Luke Easterling of Draft Wire dropped his latest three-round mock draft pre-combine. Who did Easterling send to Washington?
No. 13: Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
Nov 5, 2022; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez (0). Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
In this version of Easterling’s mock draft, he has the Commanders moving up three spots in a trade with the New York Jets to land arguably the top cornerback in the draft in Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez is an immediate starter for Washington, along with Benjamin St-Juste and Kendall Fuller.
After watching the top two offensive tackles come off the board ahead of them, the Jets bail out of this pick in favor of getting better value a few spots down the order. Washington gives up a fourth-rounder this year and a Day 3 pick next year to steal one of this year’s most promising corner prospects in Gonzalez.
No. 47: Tennessee OT Darnell Wright
Tennessee offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58).
Before the Senior Bowl, this spot felt right for Darnell Wright. However, after a terrific week during Senior Bowl practice, Wright stood out. He has experience on the left and right side, and some believe he could be a Pro Bowl guard at the next level. If he falls to the Commanders here, it’s a steal. Wright becomes an immediate starter at right tackle, with Sam Cosmi moving inside to guard.
No. 97: Ohio State C Luke Wypler
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Luke Wypler (53). Mandatory Credit: Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch
The Commanders must add a center in the draft. Chase Roullier is good, but finished the last two seasons on injured reserve with leg injuries. Washington has started four different centers in each of the last two seasons. Can the Commanders count on Roullier in 2023? No, they can’t. Roullier is a cut candidate or at least someone who will come back under a reduced number.
Wypler is experienced and would fit well with Washington’s scheme. He would be a good addition at this point in the draft.
