The Commanders’ 2023 draft had been a pivotal moment in Washington’s long-term rebuild. With several holes to fill and expectations running high, the team had used its seven selections to add athleticism and versatility across the board. This draft class brought a mix of instant contributors and developmental players. Fans hoped the infusion of young talent would strengthen both the defense and offense heading into the new season.
The 2023 NFL Draft, the 88th edition of the league’s annual selection event, had taken place from April 27 to April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri, with the first round kicking off at 8:00 PM ET. Over three days, 259 players had been selected across seven rounds. The Commanders had entered the draft with a full slate of picks and had focused on adding playmakers, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Commanders 2023 Draft: Day One
Round 1 – Pick 16 – Emmanuel Forbes – CB – Mississippi State
Emmanuel Forbes had been a ball-hawking cornerback at Mississippi State. He’d set an FBS record with six interceptions returned for touchdowns and finished with 14 career picks. Scouts had praised his instincts, closing speed, and playmaking skills. Though slightly undersized at 170 pounds, Forbes’s nose for the football had made him a first-round talent. Washington had drafted him to add immediate explosiveness to the secondary.
(“Yes, 100 percent,” Forbes had said when asked if he was the best cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft – si.com)
Commanders 2023 Draft: Day Two
Round 2 – Pick 47 – Quan Martin – DB – Illinois
Quan “Jartavius” Martin had played both safety and nickel corner at Illinois. He’d earned a reputation as a reliable tackler and quick-reacting defender. His athleticism and versatility had made him a great fit for modern NFL defenses. Washington had seen him as a Swiss Army knife in the secondary. Martin’s agility and closing burst could help him thrive in multiple roles.
(“I feel like I can do it all. I can play nickel, I can play safety, I can play corner,” Martin had said.)
Round 3 – Pick 97 – Ricky Stromberg – C – Arkansas
Ricky Stromberg had anchored Arkansas’s offensive line with strong technique and leadership. He’d started multiple seasons in the SEC and had faced some of the nation’s top defenders. Stromberg had excelled in pre-snap recognition and interior blocking. Washington had added him to build depth and reliability on the offensive front.
(“Ricky’s football IQ is off the charts. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better,” said Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman.)
Commanders 2023 Draft: Day Three
Round 4 – Pick 118 – Braeden Daniels – OT – Utah
Braeden Daniels had brought versatility to the table with experience at both guard and tackle. At Utah, he’d shown quick feet and solid pass protection against strong Pac-12 pass rushers. His flexibility had given Washington options when filling gaps across the offensive line.
(“I try to keep my head down and continue to work… It’s cutthroat but I’m excited and ready to hear my name called” – deseret.com)
Round 5 – Pick 137 – KJ Henry – DE – Clemson
KJ Henry had played with intensity and leadership at Clemson. He’d contributed to a strong defensive front and had stood out for his effort and motor. Henry’s ability to disrupt plays in the backfield had helped him earn a solid draft grade. Washington had taken him to add depth and energy to their pass rush unit.
(“KJ is a high-character guy who brings energy and effort every day,” said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.)
Round 6 – Pick 193 – Chris Rodriguez Jr. – RB – Kentucky
Chris Rodriguez Jr. had run with power and consistency at Kentucky. He’d recorded multiple 1,000-yard seasons and thrived between the tackles. Rodriguez’s downhill style and physicality had given Washington a potential short-yardage and red zone option.
(“Chris is a workhorse. He brings a toughness to our offense that’s hard to match,” said Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops.)
Round 7 – Pick 233 – Andre Jones Jr. – DE – Louisiana
Andre Jones Jr. had developed into a reliable edge rusher at Louisiana. He’d shown growth every season and made a name for himself in the Sun Belt Conference. Jones had offered good length and quickness, making him a late-round value pick with upside.
(“Andre’s motor never stops. He’s always pushing to make a play,” said Louisiana head coach Billy Napier.)
Final Thoughts and Early Evaluations
The Washington Commanders’ 2023 draft class had aimed to address key areas on both defense and offense. Initial reactions from analysts were mixed, with some praising the team’s selections and others expressing concerns about certain picks.
The first-round cornerback from Mississippi State, had garnered attention for his ball-hawking abilities. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports had awarded the pick an “A,” stating, “I love this kid… you draft him because he’s an elite cover player who fills an immediate need.” However, concerns about Forbes’ slender frame had led to varied evaluations, with some analysts questioning his durability at the professional level.
In the second round, the Commanders pick of Martin, was viewed by some as a reach. Bleacher Report had assigned a “C” grade, noting that Martin “didn’t receive as much recognition as his teammate, Sydney Brown.”
Third-round pick Stromberg, was seen as a solid addition to the offensive line. Bleacher Report had given the selection an “A,” highlighting the center’s experience and potential to start early in his career.
Team personnel expressed optimism about the draft class. Head coach Ron Rivera had commented on Stromberg’s intelligence and football acumen, stating, “He’s a very bright football player… that really impressed our coaches.”
The 2023 draft class has the potential to impact the Commanders’ roster significantly. If the rookies develop as anticipated, they could fill critical roles on the roster.
