It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders need help at cornerback. Washington returns its top cornerbacks from a year ago in 2023. Veteran Kendall Fuller is entering the final year of his contract but is a player who should receive an extension. Fuller played well in 2022.
Benjamin St-Juste had a bit of a breakout season in 2022, but an ankle injury robbed him of five of his final six games. St-Juste was having an excellent season before the injury. Now, that is the second time in two years he’s ended the season on injured reserve.
The third cornerback was supposed to be 2021 free-agent signee Willam Jackson III, but the Commanders paid a steep price to get rid of Jackson. Danny Johnson and Bobby McCain played well in their roles, but an upgrade is needed. McCain was cut earlier this week, and Johnson will never be counted upon as anything more than a key reserve.
Washington is looking hard at cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL draft. Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. acknowledged spending “a lot of time” with the Commanders at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Washington will likely meet with several others this week.
On Friday, the defensive backs will run and go through individual drills. We pick six cornerbacks for the Commanders to watch, mainly focusing on those who will be selected in the first or second round because Washington will likely pick one early.