Washington Commanders NFL Draft Grades 2023: Secondary Gets Big Boost
Analysis 4/29/23
The 2023 NFL Draft is complete and the Washington Commanders made a total of seven picks.
Washington centered their draft around boosting a secondary that ranked near the bottom of the league in interceptions last season.
The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. graded every pick in this year’s draft, here's how the Commanders fared:
Washington Commanders 2023 NFL Draft Grades
16. Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Emmanuel Forbes went in the range that we had him ranked, but it is a bit of a surprise that he was taken over Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez. Forbes is an outlier-cornerback prospect at just 166 pounds, but he's an outlier in ball production as well. He had 13 career interceptions and an FBS record six returned for touchdowns. While his weight is a concern, it did not show up on tape. He has good length and elite recovery speed. He is instinctive and combative in coverage, the type of player who will get under the skin of opposing receivers.
Grade: A-
47. Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois
The Commanders grabbed two defensive backs in the first two rounds. The strength of Jartavius Martin's game is versatility. He can play over the slot, he can play outside, and he can line up at safety as well. He was overshadowed by Sydney Brown and Devon Witherspoon at Illinois. Martin tested off the charts at the combine.
Grade: C-
97. Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
Ricky Stromberg is a high-effort player who lacks length. He plays hard, and with toughness but he has just average overall strength to hold up at the point. Washington will like his instincts and intelligence.
Grade: C-
118. Braeden Daniels, OG, Utah
Braeden Daniels has position flexibility, but his athleticism is a big concern, and his overall production is inconsistent. He will be able to play both tackle and guard for Washington.
Grade: C-
137. K.J. Henry, Edge, Clemson
K.J. Henry is a solid pick. He bolsters an already good defensive line in Washington. He's a strong, speedy and sudden defender who can pierce and pressure the pocket.
Grade: B-
193. Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
Chris Rodriguez Jr. is the kind of grind-it-out running back that Ron Rivera likes. He is a powerful, downhill runner, but he lacks speed and elusiveness.
Grade: B-
233. Andre Jones, LB, Louisiana
Andre Jones has good height and outstanding length for the position. Last year, he had 51 tackles, 8.5 TFLs and 7.5 sacks.