Which Draft Pick Do The Washington Commanders Have In The 2023 NFL Draft?

Heading into the 2022 NFL season, many called the NFC East division one of the worst in the league. However, three teams from the division made the playoffs, and all three advanced to the second round.

The one exception was the Washington Commanders. Despite having an 8-8-1 record, the Commanders missed the playoffs for the sixth time in the past seven years.

Washington struggled on offense this year and fired offensive coordinator Scott Turner shortly after the season ended. Regardless of who starts at quarterback next year for the Commanders, the team will need to make some changes on offense.

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What Draft Picks Do The Washington Commanders Own?

Following their 8-8-1 record, Washington will have the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Overall, the team has most of their original picks. However, the Indianapolis Colts own Washington’s third-round pick as part of the Carson Wentz trade from a year ago. The good news is that the Commanders should get a third-round compensatory pick after losing Brandon Scherff in free agency last offseason.

Who Could The Washington Commanders Draft In The First Round?

Since Kirk Cousins left in free agency in 2018, Washington has struggled at the quarterback position. Over the past five years, the team has started 16 different quarterbacks. During that span, Washington never had a winning season.

While there are four first-round quarterback prospects this year, there is no guarantee that one will make it to the Commanders with the 16th overall pick. Furthermore, Washington has reportedly told potential offensive coordinator candidates that 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell will be the starter next year.

The team could explore trading for another veteran. However, given how the Wentz and Alex Smith trades have played out, the Commanders likely won’t go down that road again. Instead, Howell will get the first chance at starting next year, barring a trade into the top 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Washington has other holes outside of quarterback. On offense, they need to improve their offensive line. Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. could get cut this offseason, saving the team at least $8 million in cap space.

A potential replacement could be Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski. Despite his reportedly shorter arms, the offensive tackle is one of the best in the draft this year.

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