We provide a comprehensive recap of the weekend, along with a detailed examination of their top choice, including analysis of each selection made by the Washington Commanders during the draft.
For more information on your favorite drafted players, the expanded scouting includes advanced data, unique offseason reports, and grades from PFF. It’s not too late to get the Draft Guide for the NFL 2023 draft.
More PFF draft content:
Prospective standouts | Ranking-based position in the draft | Comprehensive statistics, premium NCAA data, workouts, and measurements | PFF’s mock drafts | Comprehensive guide to the top 200 players in the NFL 2023 draft | Simulated mock draft | Live draft tracker.
2023 NFL Draft Picks
Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who was selected in the first round with the 16th pick, was joined by Illinois cornerback Jartavius Martin, who was chosen in the second round with the 47th pick. The team also added Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg in the third round with the 97th pick, Utah tackle Braeden Daniels in the fourth round with the 118th pick, Clemson edge rusher K.J. Henry in the fifth round with the 137th pick, Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. In the sixth round with the 193rd pick, and Louisiana linebacker Andre Jones in the seventh round with the 233rd pick.
Coming to college to play the ball, he was an elite player ranked 26th on Forbes’ big PFF board, finishing his three-year career at Mississippi State with 17 breakups and 14 interceptions. In 2022, he produced a PFF grade of 87.2, earning him a grade of 1 Day.
During his five-year career in Illinois, he has played as a safety in various positions, including both slot corner and outside corner. He has shown a clear emphasis on improving his skills and versatility, making him a valuable addition to the Commanders’ secondary. According to the reputable PFF, he is ranked 94th on the board and comes off the board at 47th overall, making Martin a great pick on Day 2 for Washington.
In the NFL, Stromberg has the potential to become a starting player in any position within the team. This is considered one of the most surprising selections of the day. According to the PFF big board, he is currently ranked 228th. However, his performance in college was impressive, earning him a PFF run-blocking grade of 83.4 and a PFF pass-blocking grade of 77.1.
Daniels: On Day 3, versatile and athletic, Washington’s offensive line, which finished last season ranked 24th in PFF’s pass-blocking grade, offers depth and athleticism. He is likely to be the best fit on the interior in the NFL, starting at left guard in 2021 and potentially transitioning to left tackle in 2022.
Despite not testing very well and being a bit older, Henry earned a pass-rush grade of 84.0 with a win rate of 15.9% in 2022. It is noteworthy that we are now in the fifth round and a move is imminent, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re trading for K.J Henry off the edge. However, the news came out after the Commanders announced that they are not planning on exercising the fifth-year option for Chase Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft.
The Commanders, who can contribute early in the game as a grinder in the backfield, took a step back in terms of production in 2022. Rodriguez earned an elite PFF grade of 90.7, but missed 64 forced tackles and had a run per contact after yards of 3.8. The offensive line, on the other hand, performed worse, making it necessary to add another bigger power back to their backfield.
Over the course of six years in college, Jones has gained significant expertise, accumulating almost 2,500 defensive plays. During his tenure at Louisiana in the last two seasons, he has consistently achieved PFF pass-rush grades of 70.0 or higher and generated at least 30 pressures. With a height of 6-foot-5 and arms measuring 34 inches, Jones possesses the physical attributes of a lengthy edge rusher.
DRAFT GRADE: B
Prospect Spotlight: CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
Forbes has a total of 17 pass-deflections and 14 interceptions throughout his career, showcasing exceptional ball skills. Despite not displaying it on the field, he remains relatively lean for his position. Showing consistent growth, Forbes has been a starter for the Bulldogs since his first year in college in 2020.
Strengths, weaknesses and NFL role
Where he excels: Ball Abilities.
Your man is Forbes, a DC preacher who emphasizes turnovers. He’s not just content with going down, but Forbes is determined to find the essence of football.
What is his function? Multifaceted cornerback.
Forbes was stuck playing a ton of off-zone coverage in the State of Mississippi, but he excelled when given the opportunity. Although he’ll need to improve his strength to play inside, he could also run the play to showcase his willingness.
What he can enhance: Muscle volume.
Forbes needs to gain approximately 10 additional pounds in order to match the playing style of the NFL. During his time in college, running backs and receivers had a relatively effortless experience with him.