The initial reviews are in for the Washington Commanders’ 2023 NFL draft class, and most are positive.
However, not everyone thought the Commanders had a particularly strong draft.
Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News handed out his grades for the draft, ranking each team’s class from 1-32. Iyer ranked Washington’s draft at No. 30, one of three teams that earned a “D” grade.
Draft picks: CB Emmanuel Forbes, S Jartavius Martin, G Ricky Stromberg, OT Braeden Daniels, EDGE K.J. Henry, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., EDGE Andre Jones
Analysis: The Commanders did OK filling their defensive needs, but notably absent was linebacker, tight end and developmental quarterback. They also reached for Forbes and Martin early and didn’t good value in either Stromberg or Daniels. They remain the by-far worst team in the otherwise loaded NFC East.
Grade: D
Ouch.
Iyer seems particularly harsh on the Commanders because they didn’t do what he thought they should do. Reached on Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin? Not everyone agrees with that assessment. While Stromberg and Daniels went around where many believed they’d go, from the end of round three into Day 3 of the draft.
Regarding needing a tight end and development quarterback, Iyer must not have a strong grasp on Washington’s current roster. Sam Howell is the developmental quarterback. He has the 2023 season to show the coaches he should be the starter in 2024 and beyond.
At tight end, why would the Commanders add another developmental prospect? Cole Turner, Armani Rogers and Curtis Hodges are all entering their second season. Unless Washington was drafting Michael Mayer or Dalton Kincaid, it made no sense to add another tight end unless they were convinced he was truly better than one of the incumbents.
Making matters worse, Iyer has the Eagles, Giants and Cowboys all ranked No. 2, No. 4 and No. 24, respectively.
The good news, Iyer’s rankings do not matter. Neither do Mel Kiper’s or anyone else’s. It will be up to the Commanders’ rookies to show they belong in the NFL.