Washington Commanders Way Too Early Mock Draft

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January 31, 2023

by David Earl

Off We Go: My Early Washington Mock Draft

Below you’ll see an obvious direction to my mock draft. I didn’t approach this draft looking for the “Dynamic player”; instead, I wanted to address areas of this team that made the most sense. Mind you. film watching is not something I do – most of my evaluations come from those who do watch the film and I give a personal assessment of what they state. It’s an imperfect science, but it’s what I have to offer so hear me out today. In this draft, I made one trade which was in the first round to move up so let’s get into this mock draft.

Of all my grades this actual trade-up in value was my worse grade (D), as I moved up 5 spots to the 11th pick while giving the 16th overall pick, this year’s 3rd-round pick (pick 118), and Washington’s 2024 second-round pick. While the team would surely get more value in return, the move up for offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. was just too important. As fans we are used to Washington having top-tier left tackles, and the last elite tackle is now in the NFC championship game. In the divisional round against the Cowboys, against one of the games young elite pass rushers, Micah Parsons, Trent Williams allowed 1 quarterback pressure on 11 rush attempts. Trent was finally elected to 1st team All-Pro (long overdue) and has continued his dominance while in San Francisco. Charles Leno Jr. has been more than serviceable at the left tackle position, allowing 8 sacks on the season (tied for 5th) is certainly a bully on inside runs. Now he is inconsistent against speed rushers and stretch run plays as he just has the athleticism you want for a left tackle, especially in today’s NFL. Paris Johnson Jr. adds that athleticism you want in a left tackle combined with simply being an absolute brute. The only true negative I have read about this second-overall ranked tackle prospect in the 2023 draft is his hand work needs time to develop. The most important aspect of this mammoth of an offensive lineman is his footwork and how quickly he resets his frame after the snap facing an outside speed rush. He is rarely caught being upright, which is something edge rushers could take advantage of, and his coordination during the process of his blocking is near flawless. His athleticism leads to his exceptional range as a run blocker and his mobility aids in his effectiveness of stretch run plays. Paris Johnson is the near-perfect left tackle teams would want in this draft. This statement by Draft Network absolutely speaks volumes, “His tenacity and mean streak show up with consistency while executing with a finisher’s mentality.” In my opinion today, Paris Johnson Jr. should be Washington’s lone objective in the first round at almost any cost.

The Experienced and Versatile Cody Mauch (OG)

When Cody Mauch was on the board he stood out in a very particular way. This athletic offensive lineman has ideal size and footwork.  He moved from offensive guard outside to left tackle becoming one of the better left tackles in the country. It’s not the tackle position I see for his career in the NFL, as this plug-and-play lineman’s easy adjustment to the outside speaks to what he will bring to Washington’s interior offensive line. It’s probably unlikely Ron goes back-to-back lineman in this draft so early but this kid’s experience (6th-year senior) and lateral movement ability should work well at the next level against NFL linebackers as an offensive guard. Even though Brian Robinson Jr. is a power runner and Cody is not exceptional in power run schemes, lining him up to the inside of Paris Johnson in an offense running more of a zone run scheme could be a match made in heaven. The NFL has gone more to the inside/outside zone run schemes and Brian Robinson Jr. is capable of being successful in such a scheme, so this pick just makes too much sense. Adding Cody (with Paris) to an offensive line room the already includes Sam Cosmi, who will hopefully take that next step, as well as Chris Paul, should get this overall group in a good position for the franchise quarterback of the future, whether that’s Sam Howell or Quarterback X from the 2024 NFL draft.

Big Physical Jaylon Jones (CB)

Jaylon Jones is a big corner like Benjamin St-Juste but plays a more physical style game the secondary somewhat lacks for Washington. He is more zone scheme dependent but has the ability to play man-to-man coverage. Jones still needs work getting through his transitions and utilizing his leverage properly but his overall athletic profile and physical nature of the line give Ron Rivera plant for work with going forward. While Kendall Fuller most likely stays on this team opposite St-Juste, Jones’ his zone scheme ability also make him ideal to use in the slot role early in his career.

True Middle Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (MLB)

Henry To’oTo’o may very well be the perfect complement to Jamin Davis in the middle of Washington’s defense. Although Davis showed some improvement as the Mike linebacker, the best position to showcase his skillset best has been on the outside, so in comes Henry. His lateral movement and speed are well suited for the position in the NFL and his instincts in the passing game won’t make him a liability like Cole Holcomb. The 2 aspects of his game which are a concern are coming off run blocks and at times giving up on the pass rush when he feels beaten. The 4-2-5 scheme Ron Rivera likes to run suits exactly what he does well – he can stay on the field as the middle linebacker or flex out into that buffalo nickel role.

Planning Ahead and Ricky Stromberg (C) Could be that Guy

Washington’s starting center Chase Roullier has proven to be an excellent center when healthy, but the key statement is “when healthy!” In Chase’s last 2 seasons, he has played in just 10 of 33 games, ending up on injured reserve in both. With Chase set to make just over $12 million this season, Washington could consider saving in upwards of $4 million cap by releasing Chase to sign Daron Payne.  If that happens, then in comes Ricky Stromberg. This versatile 4 year starter has logged time is as an offensive guard but his position of strength is certainly anchoring the middle of the offensive line. While he has some struggles against bigger-bodied defenders, his footwork and overall technique will allow him to grow into the position. This pick would most likely require either Wes Schweitzer to temporarily take over the starting center role or a free agent veteran to come in until Stromberg is ready to take on the full-time role. There is no doubt his style of blocking in the run game will catch Ron Rivera‘s eye.

Dee Winters (LB) and Richard Gouraige (OT) Round Out Draft

A former defensive back, Dee Winters is good in coverage and his agility makes him an asset in rushing the quarterback. He will have to work on his run recognition and releasing off pass blocks from the interior offensive lineman to become an effective starter. In the meantime, Winters could add some valuable depth and carve out a role on special teams. I could have gone another defensive back here or a wide receiver that could have benefited the return game, but my focus in this draft was Washington’s need for offensive line depth. Richard Gouraige can be that depth, as his frame and physicality suits the NFL well. He is strong against edge rushers and utilizes his length very well. He will need to work on his footwork and reaction time to defender’s countermoves if he wants to remain a tackle in the NFL. Gouraige’s size and athleticism means he could potentially make a move inside to the offensive guard position, which Washington sorely needs.

Conclusion

Many will go in a direction that will address all the needed positions through the draft but I focused solely on the 2 areas in which Washington suffered mightly, the offensive line and linebacker positions. Paris Johnson Jr. and Cody Mauch could go a long way in helping solidify the offensive line for the next 10 years. Teaming up Henry To’oTo’o with Jamin Davis plus the addition of Jaylon Jones gives this defense the pass protection up the seam and middle intermediate zones they have lacked for years now. My goal is taking this direction was to improve the weakest part of this team and build around the plan for Sam Howell to be the starting quarterback in 2023. If these picks work out relatively well, Washington will be in a positive position next season whether or not Sam Howell works out. Having solidified the rest of the roster, Washington can easily position themselves for one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 draft in the event that Howell does not become a franchise quarterback. What are your thoughts?