2023 NFL Draft Predictions: Washington Commanders Biggest Team Needs

The Washington Commanders had an up-and-down 2022 season. Issues at the quarterback position got most of the attention. However, the team struggled with injuries on the offensive line.

Furthermore, the defense played like night and day throughout the season. Over the first five games last year, Washington surrendered 25.6 points per game, giving up 21 or more points in every matchup. Meanwhile, they held their opponents to only 17.9 points per game the rest of the year, surrendering 21 or fewer points in all but two contests.

While the team finished with an 8-8-1 record, the Commanders missed the playoffs last season. The team will have the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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What Are The Washington Commanders Biggest Needs On Offense?

Despite starting only one game as a rookie, Washington will give 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell the first chance at winning the QB1 role for next season.

Washington has been a rumor destination for Lamar Jackson. However, the team wants to give the former North Carolina star a chance and hold onto their draft capital. Howell was solid in his one start, throwing for 169 yards and a touchdown while adding 35 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

The Commanders have invested in the wide receiver position over the past few years. Last year they used a first-round pick on Jahan Dotson and signed Terry McLaurin to a long-term contract. However, the team needs to upgrade the tight end position.

Logan Thomas has struggled since his breakout season in 2020. Furthermore, Washington can save up to $6.9 million in salary cap space by releasing the veteran tight end. A potential replacement option is Darnell Washington.

While the former Georgia tight end had only three career touchdowns in college, Washington is an excellent athlete and can block like an offensive tackle. More importantly, the Commanders met with the former Bulldog at the NFL Combine last week.

What Are The Washington Commanders Biggest Needs On Defense?

Washington already made a massive move on defense, placing the franchise tag on Daron Payne. The former first-round pick had a career year in 2022, totaling 11.5 sacks. While the star defensive tackle will back next year, the same can’t be said for linebacker Cole Holcomb.

The veteran linebacker had a career-high 142 tackles in 2021. Unfortunately, Holcomb struggled with injuries last year and missed 10 games. While the Commanders haven’t closed the door on him returning, the linebacker might find a better off on the open market.

One potential replacement option is Trenton Simpson. The former Clemson linebacker ran a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. More importantly, he is a tackling machine, totaling 165 tackles during his time at Clemson.

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