The Washington Commanders headed into the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine with a focus on two positions: Offensive line and cornerback.
While Washington met and scouted every position, it was clear from some of the formal meetings scheduled that the Commanders paid specific attention to these two positions. We produced a list of the offensive linemen who met with the Commanders.
Most mock drafts have Washington landing a cornerback from the trio of Joey Porter Jr. [Penn State], Christian Gonzalez [Oregon] and Devon Witherspoon [Illinois.]
Speaking of those cornerbacks, Washington formally met with Porter and Witherspoon at the combine. It is believed that the Commanders met with Gonzalez, but that is not confirmed.
When Porter spoke to the media, he said spent a lot of time with the Commanders and mentioned how many of his former college teammates are on Washington’s roster.
Some regard Witherspoon as the draft’s top cornerback prospect. Witherspoon and Porter fit the profile of what head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio love in a corner. Both aren’t afraid to stick their nose in the run game.
The Commanders were OK at cornerback last season. Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste carried the unit until St-Juste missed five of the last six games. Washington needs another starting cornerback.
Fortunately, there is depth in the second round if the Commanders choose to address the offensive line in the first round. But don’t be surprised if Porter, Gonzalez, or Witherspoon is the pick next month.
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