The Washington Commanders improved their secondary and depth, but worsened playoff chances over the draft.
The NFC East produced three postseason teams last season and all grew slightly better than Washington. The Philadelphia Eagles gained a couple of first-round aces despite reaching the Super Bowl last year. The New York Giants picked up a corner and receiver. The Dallas Cowboys missed getting tight end Dalton Kincaid, but still found a tight end in the second round after gaining a solid defensive tackle in the first.
Then there are other wild-card competitors since the Commanders are unlikely division winners. The Seattle Seahawks may have scored the best overall draft. They gained top-rated corner Devin Witherspoon with the fifth pick and receiver Jason Smith-Njigba with the 20th plus a running back and corner in the second. Oh, the Hawks are going to press for the NFC West title versus San Francisco, which produced one of the worst drafts complete with a third-rounder for a kicker. Detroit picked up five early prospects that will push the Lions to .500.
Draft production can’t be reviewed in a personal vacuum. It’s how the Commanders did versus others because everyone gets players. And, Washington took a couple of risks that either blossom or produce pink slips for coach Ron Rivera and staff after new owners review the following season.
First-rounder Emmanuel Forbes was a gamble at No. 16. There are many things to like such as ballhawk instincts for turnovers and speed. But, weighing 166 pounds at the NFL Combine was a red flag. He may reach 180 by training camp, but players often lose weight during the season and Forbes will be pressed by bigger, experienced receivers in the pros. Sure, the SEC is the best college conference, but it’s not the NFL. Rivera gambled on Forbes versus Christian Gonzales, which New England needed mere moments to take with the next pick. Watching Patriots coach Bill Belichick move that fast says something.
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The second-rounder on safety Quan Martin was a fair pick. Maybe a little early, but he’ll take Bobby McCain’s place. The third-rounder for center Ricky Stromberg and fourth-rounder for guard Braeden Daniels figures to strengthen the line, but neither resets the beleaguered unit. Stromberg may stabilize center after the team’s injury problems over two years. But, is he big enough? Daniels will likely begin as a reserve who, like most Rivera picks, can play two positions. Riverboat Ron loves a good Plan B.
Fifth-rounder KJ Henry was a badly-needed defensive end for 2024. Currently, none of the veterans are signed for next season. While the Commanders will surely keep either Montez Sweat or Chase Young, they couldn’t have such insecurity on a line it has invested heavily over the last half decade.
Sixth-round running back Chris Rodriguez gives the Commanders a short-yardage back to avoid overloading Brian Robinson. Seventh-round defensive end Andre Jones is that classic project player at draft’s end.
Overall, the Commanders get a B-minus over three days. Too bad it was the division’s worst grade.
Follow Rick Snider on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks
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