NFL Draft Grades - Washington Commanders
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Washington Commanders Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (8)
2023
Pick 16. (R:1 P:16) -
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Grade: B
Credit Charlie Campbell for reporting that the Redskins loved Emmanuel Forbes, who fits Ron Rivera's defense so well as a ball-hawking cornerback. I wondered if the Redskins would draft a falling prospect like Christian Gonzalez or Nolan Smith, but they stuck with their guy, which is fine. Forbes is going to fill a huge need at cornerback, which has been a big problem area for many years in Washington.
Grade: B
Credit Charlie Campbell for reporting that the Redskins loved Emmanuel Forbes, who fits Ron Rivera's defense so well as a ball-hawking cornerback. I wondered if the Redskins would draft a falling prospect like Christian Gonzalez or Nolan Smith, but they stuck with their guy, which is fine. Forbes is going to fill a huge need at cornerback, which has been a big problem area for many years in Washington.
2023
Pick 47. (R:2 P:16) - Jartavius 'Quan' Martin, S/CB, Illinois
Grade: B+
I had Quan Martin going one pick earlier, but he makes a lot of sense for the Redskins, who are finally resolving their major secondary issues. Martin can play both safety and cornerback, but with Emmanuel Forbes in the fold, putting Martin at safety is a logical fit.
Grade: B+
I had Quan Martin going one pick earlier, but he makes a lot of sense for the Redskins, who are finally resolving their major secondary issues. Martin can play both safety and cornerback, but with Emmanuel Forbes in the fold, putting Martin at safety is a logical fit.
2023
Pick 97. (R:3 P:34) - Ricky Stromberg, LB, Arkansas
Grade: D
Here's another reach. We've reached the compensatory section of the third round, so making reach picks like this isn't Millen-worthy, but the Redskins could have drafted so many better players than Ricky Stromberg. The Arkansas product had a solid 2022 campaign, but he's not an exciting prospect.
Grade: D
Here's another reach. We've reached the compensatory section of the third round, so making reach picks like this isn't Millen-worthy, but the Redskins could have drafted so many better players than Ricky Stromberg. The Arkansas product had a solid 2022 campaign, but he's not an exciting prospect.
2023
Pick 118. (R:4 P:16) - Braeden Daniels, G, Utah
Grade: B
Braeden Daniels played tackle in college, but will have to move to guard in the NFL. However, he should be able to play well at guard for a team that needed help with interior blocking.
Grade: B
Braeden Daniels played tackle in college, but will have to move to guard in the NFL. However, he should be able to play well at guard for a team that needed help with interior blocking.
2023
Pick 150. (R:5 P:15) - Justin Shorter, WR, Florida
Grade: C
Justin Shorter is a massive receiver (6-4, 229), but didn't play to his size at Florida. He also dealt with some injuries. The Bills needed a receiver, but they could have gotten someone better than this.
Grade: C
Justin Shorter is a massive receiver (6-4, 229), but didn't play to his size at Florida. He also dealt with some injuries. The Bills needed a receiver, but they could have gotten someone better than this.
2023
Pick 193. (R:6 P:16) -
Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
Grade: B-
Chris Rodriguez is a power back who gets good yardage after contact. Another running back makes sense, though I think the Redskins should have went with a receiving back instead with J.D. McKissic gone.
Grade: B-
Chris Rodriguez is a power back who gets good yardage after contact. Another running back makes sense, though I think the Redskins should have went with a receiving back instead with J.D. McKissic gone.
2023
Pick 215. (R:6 P:38) -
Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
Grade: A
Zach Evans is undersized, but explosive. He can compete to be the Rams' second running back. I like this pick, as Evans easily could have been drafted a couple of rounds earlier than this.
Grade: A
Zach Evans is undersized, but explosive. He can compete to be the Rams' second running back. I like this pick, as Evans easily could have been drafted a couple of rounds earlier than this.
2023
Pick 233. (R:7 P:16) - Andre Jones, OLB,
Grade: C+
Andre Jones was productive at Louisiana-Lafayette, but I don't see how he can make it in the NFL at the moment, given his lack of strength and overall size. He really needs to fill out his frame to have a shot.
Grade: C+
Andre Jones was productive at Louisiana-Lafayette, but I don't see how he can make it in the NFL at the moment, given his lack of strength and overall size. He really needs to fill out his frame to have a shot.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The Redskins can't cover anyone, thanks to William Jackson being a complete bust as a free agent signing. They desperately need someone new to stay with A.J. Brown and CeeDee Lamb.
Emmanuel Forbes is a feast-or-famine cornerback.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Christian Gonzalez, CB - If I didn't like the Branch fit so much, I'd mock Gonzalez to the Redskins.
2. Dalton Kincaid, TE - The Redskins could target a tight end because Logan Thomas is always injured.
Round: 2
Washington Commanders: Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
The Redskins brought in a whopping nine players in for top-30 visits, so they will almost certainly spend an early pick on a blocker to help Slingin' Sammy Howell.
Tyler Steen did a great job on Bryce Young's blind side after transferring from Vanderbilt.
Round: 3
Washington Commanders: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Cornerback has been a huge problem for the Redskins in recent years, so the team could double up on the position.
Eli Ricks is a 6-2 cornerback who had a breakout '21 season for Alabama.
Round: 4
Washington Commanders: Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
The Redskins could consider finding a new running back to pair with Brian Robinson.
Zach Evans is undersized, but explosive.
Round: 5
Washington Commanders: Byron Young, DT, Alabama
Teams are always looking for more depth on the defensive line so they can keep their top guys fresh in the fourth quarter.
Byron Young has quickness and athleticism, but is a bit undersized.
Round: 6
Washington Commanders: Antonio Mafi, G, UCLA
Given that the Redskins have to battle the fierce Philadelphia and Dallas pass rushes twice per year, they need as much offensive line help as they can get.
Round: 6
Washington Commanders: Ronnie Brown, RB, Shepherd
J.D. McKissic is gone, while the coaching staff doesn't seem to like Antonio Gibson very much.
Round: 7
Washington Commanders: Kyle Soelle, LB, Arizona State
Linebacker picks are always welcome for the Redskins, who have struggled at the position for a long time.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 16. (R:1 P:16) -
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
B Credit Charlie Campbell for reporting that the Redskins loved Emmanuel Forbes, who fits Ron Rivera's defense so well as a ball-hawking cornerback. I wondered if the Redskins would draft a falling prospect like Christian Gonzalez or Nolan Smith, but they stuck with their guy, which is fine. Forbes is going to fill a huge need at cornerback, which has been a big problem area for many years in Washington.
B Credit Charlie Campbell for reporting that the Redskins loved Emmanuel Forbes, who fits Ron Rivera's defense so well as a ball-hawking cornerback. I wondered if the Redskins would draft a falling prospect like Christian Gonzalez or Nolan Smith, but they stuck with their guy, which is fine. Forbes is going to fill a huge need at cornerback, which has been a big problem area for many years in Washington.
2023
Pick 47. (R:2 P:16) - Jartavius 'Quan' Martin, S/CB, Illinois
B+ I had Quan Martin going one pick earlier, but he makes a lot of sense for the Redskins, who are finally resolving their major secondary issues. Martin can play both safety and cornerback, but with Emmanuel Forbes in the fold, putting Martin at safety is a logical fit.
B+ I had Quan Martin going one pick earlier, but he makes a lot of sense for the Redskins, who are finally resolving their major secondary issues. Martin can play both safety and cornerback, but with Emmanuel Forbes in the fold, putting Martin at safety is a logical fit.
2023
Pick 97. (R:3 P:34) - Ricky Stromberg, LB, Arkansas
D Here's another reach. We've reached the compensatory section of the third round, so making reach picks like this isn't Millen-worthy, but the Redskins could have drafted so many better players than Ricky Stromberg. The Arkansas product had a solid 2022 campaign, but he's not an exciting prospect.
D Here's another reach. We've reached the compensatory section of the third round, so making reach picks like this isn't Millen-worthy, but the Redskins could have drafted so many better players than Ricky Stromberg. The Arkansas product had a solid 2022 campaign, but he's not an exciting prospect.
2023
Pick 118. (R:4 P:16) - Braeden Daniels, G, Utah
B Braeden Daniels played tackle in college, but will have to move to guard in the NFL. However, he should be able to play well at guard for a team that needed help with interior blocking.
B Braeden Daniels played tackle in college, but will have to move to guard in the NFL. However, he should be able to play well at guard for a team that needed help with interior blocking.
2023
Pick 150. (R:5 P:15) - Justin Shorter, WR, Florida
C Justin Shorter is a massive receiver (6-4, 229), but didn't play to his size at Florida. He also dealt with some injuries. The Bills needed a receiver, but they could have gotten someone better than this.
C Justin Shorter is a massive receiver (6-4, 229), but didn't play to his size at Florida. He also dealt with some injuries. The Bills needed a receiver, but they could have gotten someone better than this.
2023
Pick 193. (R:6 P:16) -
Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
B- Chris Rodriguez is a power back who gets good yardage after contact. Another running back makes sense, though I think the Redskins should have went with a receiving back instead with J.D. McKissic gone.
B- Chris Rodriguez is a power back who gets good yardage after contact. Another running back makes sense, though I think the Redskins should have went with a receiving back instead with J.D. McKissic gone.
2023
Pick 215. (R:6 P:38) -
Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
A Zach Evans is undersized, but explosive. He can compete to be the Rams' second running back. I like this pick, as Evans easily could have been drafted a couple of rounds earlier than this.
A Zach Evans is undersized, but explosive. He can compete to be the Rams' second running back. I like this pick, as Evans easily could have been drafted a couple of rounds earlier than this.
2023
Pick 233. (R:7 P:16) - Andre Jones, OLB,
C+ Andre Jones was productive at Louisiana-Lafayette, but I don't see how he can make it in the NFL at the moment, given his lack of strength and overall size. He really needs to fill out his frame to have a shot.
C+ Andre Jones was productive at Louisiana-Lafayette, but I don't see how he can make it in the NFL at the moment, given his lack of strength and overall size. He really needs to fill out his frame to have a shot.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 16. (R:1 P:16) -
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
C Grade
Much like the Texans, the Redskins deserve some credit for picking up resources for trading down. Still, this is a bit of a reach. It's not as bad as the Texans' pick, but there was some speculation that Jahan Dotson could fall out of the first round. The Redskins should've just remained at No. 11 and picked the much better prospect. I like Dotson, but he's a bit short to be taken so early.
C Grade
Much like the Texans, the Redskins deserve some credit for picking up resources for trading down. Still, this is a bit of a reach. It's not as bad as the Texans' pick, but there was some speculation that Jahan Dotson could fall out of the first round. The Redskins should've just remained at No. 11 and picked the much better prospect. I like Dotson, but he's a bit short to be taken so early.
2022
Pick 47. (R:2 P:15) -
Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
C Grade
I'm not crazy about this pick, as it offers medium value and no filled need. The Redskins had to find defensive line depth at some point because they lost Matt Ioannidis, but they could've have addressed the position later. They have major problems in the secondary that weren't filled. Phidarian Mathis has nice upside, and he's yet another Alabama player, but this is just meh.
C Grade
I'm not crazy about this pick, as it offers medium value and no filled need. The Redskins had to find defensive line depth at some point because they lost Matt Ioannidis, but they could've have addressed the position later. They have major problems in the secondary that weren't filled. Phidarian Mathis has nice upside, and he's yet another Alabama player, but this is just meh.
2022
Pick 98. (R:3 P:34) -
Brian Robinson, RB, Alabama
C+ Grade
Yet another Alabama player to the Redskins, albeit on the offensive side of the ball this time. I like Brian Robinson in this range, but I'm not sure why the Redskins picked another running back because they happen to be very deep at the position.
C+ Grade
Yet another Alabama player to the Redskins, albeit on the offensive side of the ball this time. I like Brian Robinson in this range, but I'm not sure why the Redskins picked another running back because they happen to be very deep at the position.
2022 Washington Commanders - Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 144. (R:5 P:1) -
Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
A+ Grade
One team we spoke to had Sam Howell as their second-ranked quarterback, so it's insane that he fell so far. Carson Wentz may have trouble sticking around in Washington, so the Redskins needed someone to eventually compete with him. Howell's height is an issue, but he's a solid quarterback prospect otherwise.
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A+ Grade
One team we spoke to had Sam Howell as their second-ranked quarterback, so it's insane that he fell so far. Carson Wentz may have trouble sticking around in Washington, so the Redskins needed someone to eventually compete with him. Howell's height is an issue, but he's a solid quarterback prospect otherwise.
Follow @walterfootball for updates. Also, you can Support Us on Patreon here!
Also, if you'd like to support the site, check out my book! It's available on Amazon, and it's called A Safety and a Field Goal.
Take a look:
You can buy it here. It has some NFL Draft-related topics, so like I said, if you want to support the site, this is a great way to do it!
2022
Pick 149. (R:5 P:6) - Cole Turner, TE, Nevada
B- Grade
For a second, I thought the Redskins drafted Cole Strange, which would have been a good spot for him. Cole Turner is a tight end rather than a guard, and the Redskins needed one with some free agency departures. I think this is a bit too early for Turner, but it's the fifth round, so that doesn't mean as much in this area.
B- Grade
For a second, I thought the Redskins drafted Cole Strange, which would have been a good spot for him. Cole Turner is a tight end rather than a guard, and the Redskins needed one with some free agency departures. I think this is a bit too early for Turner, but it's the fifth round, so that doesn't mean as much in this area.
2022
Pick 231. (R:7 P:10) - Baylon Spector, LB, Clemson
A- Grade
This is a quality value pick, as I thought Baylon Spector could've gone as early as the fifth round. Finding more linebacker depth was essential for the Bills.
A- Grade
This is a quality value pick, as I thought Baylon Spector could've gone as early as the fifth round. Finding more linebacker depth was essential for the Bills.
2022
Pick 241. (R:7 P:20) - Chris Oladokun, QB, South Dakota State
B Grade
A quarterback to challenge Kenny Pickett once he begins fumbling a dozen times per game. I'm kidding, well, sort of. Chris Oladokun projects as a possible No. 2 quarterback in the NFL, and I thought he could go a bit earlier than this. It might be difficult for him to make the final roster though.
B Grade
A quarterback to challenge Kenny Pickett once he begins fumbling a dozen times per game. I'm kidding, well, sort of. Chris Oladokun projects as a possible No. 2 quarterback in the NFL, and I thought he could go a bit earlier than this. It might be difficult for him to make the final roster though.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 19. (R:1 P:19) -
Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
B- Grade
I don't dislike this pick, but I think it's a bit early for Jamin Davis. I had Davis at No. 41 in my final mock draft, but he's been as high as the mid-20s in some updates. It makes sense for the Redskins to address their dreadful linebacking corps with the athletic Davis, but I would've liked to have seen them address the offensive line because the offense needs all the help it can get. Still, Davis is a good player, and he fills a huge need.
B- Grade
I don't dislike this pick, but I think it's a bit early for Jamin Davis. I had Davis at No. 41 in my final mock draft, but he's been as high as the mid-20s in some updates. It makes sense for the Redskins to address their dreadful linebacking corps with the athletic Davis, but I would've liked to have seen them address the offensive line because the offense needs all the help it can get. Still, Davis is a good player, and he fills a huge need.
2021
Pick 51. (R:2 P:19) -
Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas
C Grade
I thought the Redskins would go offensive tackle in the first round (Christian Darrisaw) and a linebacker here, but the opposite occurred. Perhaps they should have gone with my plan because this pick is underwhelming. Sam Cosmi is athletic, but he's tough and tends to get bullied around in the trenches. This does not bode well for the NFL.
C Grade
I thought the Redskins would go offensive tackle in the first round (Christian Darrisaw) and a linebacker here, but the opposite occurred. Perhaps they should have gone with my plan because this pick is underwhelming. Sam Cosmi is athletic, but he's tough and tends to get bullied around in the trenches. This does not bode well for the NFL.
2021
Pick 74. (R:3 P:10) - Benjamin St-Juste, , Minnesota
F Grade
Talk about a reach. Benjamin St. Juste was in the seventh round of my mock draft. St. Juste had injury issues during his time at Michigan. He had better luck in Minnesota, but he still shouldn't have been chosen this early.
F Grade
Talk about a reach. Benjamin St. Juste was in the seventh round of my mock draft. St. Juste had injury issues during his time at Michigan. He had better luck in Minnesota, but he still shouldn't have been chosen this early.
2021
Pick 82. (R:3 P:18) -
Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina
B+ Grade
Dyami Brown was getting a ton of hype prior to the draft, so I moved him to the second round in some updates. He's an explosive receiver who can go the distance whenever he touches the ball. The Redskins needed another receiver to go along with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, so this is a good pick.
B+ Grade
Dyami Brown was getting a ton of hype prior to the draft, so I moved him to the second round in some updates. He's an explosive receiver who can go the distance whenever he touches the ball. The Redskins needed another receiver to go along with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, so this is a good pick.
2021
Pick 124. (R:4 P:19) - John Bates, TE, Boise State
D Grade
This is a disappointing pick. The Redskins had no need for a tight end, and they're not getting any sort of value. I had John Bates in the sixth round, so the value just isn't there.
D Grade
This is a disappointing pick. The Redskins had no need for a tight end, and they're not getting any sort of value. I had John Bates in the sixth round, so the value just isn't there.
2021
Pick 163. (R:5 P:19) - Darrick Forrest, S, Cincinnati
B Grade
I've had Darrick Forrest pegged around this range for a while, so this is fine value with Darrick Forrest, who fills a slight need the Redskins had at the position as far as depth is concerned.
B Grade
I've had Darrick Forrest pegged around this range for a while, so this is fine value with Darrick Forrest, who fills a slight need the Redskins had at the position as far as depth is concerned.
2021
Pick 246. (R:7 P:18) - Shaka Toney, 3-4OLB, Penn State
A Grade
The Redskins really want to make sure that they have quality pass-rushing depth. I'm fine with doubling down on the position, especially when considering that Shaka Toney was available. I had Toney in the fifth round, so I love the value the Redskins are getting with this incredibly athletic edge rusher.
A Grade
The Redskins really want to make sure that they have quality pass-rushing depth. I'm fine with doubling down on the position, especially when considering that Shaka Toney was available. I had Toney in the fifth round, so I love the value the Redskins are getting with this incredibly athletic edge rusher.
2021
Pick 258. (R:7 P:30) - Dax Milne, WR, BYU
A Grade
Dax Milne is someone who was getting tons of hype in the months leading up to the draft, so I'm surprised he went off the board this late. He could have gone a couple of rounds earlier, so the Redskins are getting great value. I like this pick even though it doesn't fill a need.
A Grade
Dax Milne is someone who was getting tons of hype in the months leading up to the draft, so I'm surprised he went off the board this late. He could have gone a couple of rounds earlier, so the Redskins are getting great value. I like this pick even though it doesn't fill a need.