Way too early 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Does Washington go back to defense?

One last mock draft roundup? Yes one last mock draft roundup, this time looking at the way too early projections for Washington's draft pick in 2023. The mock drafters do not think Washington will be successful next season, with a draft range from #7 - #21. Vegas has also set expectations below average with a starting line of 7.5 wins for Washington in 2022. Super Bowl odds are currently at +6500.

The Commanders had 8 picks in this year’s draft and filled a lot of needs, but didn’t really draft any projected elite players. They waited until days 2 and 3 to address the secondary, and with a few starters likely to be cap casualties next year, it becomes an early round need in 2023. There are a lot of people mocking CBs to Washington in the first round in this roundup.

Offensive tackle is the 2nd-most popular position in this roundup. Washington signed LT Charles Leno Jr. to an extension and has Sam Cosmi coming back for his second season. Cosmi was injured multiple times last season, but played well when he was healthy. Washington was reportedly interested in offensive tackles if they fell in the draft. They only drafted one OL and that was on Day 3.

Other positions that show up here are DT, RB, EDGE, and QB. These all seem unlikely now, but a lot of things can happen between now and next year's draft. That includes who will be making the picks.

Where will Washington pick, and who/what position should they take next year?

#7

Walter Football

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

The Redskins could use more secondary help, especially at cornerback. The son of the former Steeler great is a 6-2 cornerback with high potential.

NFL Spin Zone(Gurzi)

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

One of the more interesting picks the Washington Commanders made this past weekend was the selection of Sam Howell from North Carolina.

At one point, Howell looked to be a day two quarterback but slid all the way to Round 5. Still, there are already discussions about whether or not he can push Carson Wentz, who is on his third team in as many seasons.

How that plays out will have a significant impact on this coming campaign, and chances are, they will be drafting high once again. In this mock, that leads to them picking up Kelee Ringo from Georgia.

The Bulldogs cornerback simply knows how to find the football and as long as he keeps improving, he should be the first defensive back off the board in 2023.

Lines.com

Malachi Moore, S, Alabama

#10

E$PN+(McShay)

Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

After a four-interception freshman year at LSU, Ricks missed most of 2021 with an injured shoulder and then transferred to Alabama. He’s a smooth press corner who can take away an opponent’s No. 1 receiver. The Commanders’ top two corners — William Jackson III and Kendall Fuller — are both under contract for only two more years, and the team’s pass defense has struggled, so adding a playmaker on the outside makes a lot of sense. One more note here: Ricks was arrested on Monday for speeding and possession of marijuana.

CBS Sports (Wilson)

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Imagine, if you’re Carson Wentz, a pass-catching group that includes Terry McLaurin, (assuming the Commanders can keep him), Drake London and the most complete tight end in college football in Michael Mayer.

Bleacher Report(Sobleski)

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

As of now, Carson Wentz is the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback. We’ll assume he stays in that position, even though he already wore out his welcome at two previous stops.

Otherwise, the Commanders can concentrate on building around Wentz. The former second overall pick loved targeting tight ends during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, which plays a factor in Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer being slotted here.

Yes, Washington already has Logan Thomas on the roster. However, Thomas will be 32 next year with no remaining guaranteed money on his current deal. Furthermore, Mayer has the skill set to be used similarly to one of Wentz’s former favorite targets, Zach Ertz. The 6’4”, 251-pound Mayer caught 71 passes last season and showed that he could consistently create after the catch.

A lull occurred this year with no first-round tight ends taken. Mayer should change that next year.

Sporting News(Iyer)

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

The Commanders didn’t use Day 1 or Day 2 capital on needed cornerback help but that should change after William Jackson continues to disappoint as a big free-agent addition. Ringo is a dynamic, clutch ballhawk in coverage and will stand out more with many Georgia top defenders ascending to the NFL.

The Draft Network(Marino)

Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

The Commanders could create $12.5 million in cap space by moving on from Charles Leno after the 2022 season and Peter Skoronski is a dominant blocker that has the makings of a high selection that could serve as an ideal replacement.

Pro Football Network(Mellor)

Malachi Moore, CB, Alabama

The Washington Commanders passed on quarterbacks early in the 2022 NFL Draft before landing Sam Howell to compete with Carson Wentz late. As such, the Commanders are clear to take a big position of need early.

With their penchant for Alabama defensive players, Malachi Moore is the choice. A smart cornerback with terrific instincts, Moore has 4 career interceptions and a plethora of forced incompletions. He’s incredibly sticky and has a knack for finding the football.

Sportscasting(Elman)

BJ Ojulari, OLB, LSU

Ojulari was a bright spot during LSU’s dismal 2021 season, tallying seven sacks and 12 tackles for a loss in 12 games. At 6-foot-3 and 244 pounds, he has the size to create nightmares for opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen alike.

Pro Football Focus(Renner)

Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

While we’ve already had a Kyle Pitts impersonator come off the board, here comes a Kyle Hamilton-esque safety. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Johnson is a long, physical slot corner for the Aggies. He allowed only 228 yards on 62 targets last season.

Bleacher Report(Knox)

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Bleacher Report(Rill)

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Tankathon

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

#11

The 33rd Team

Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

Ricks is the new normal when it comes to elite football talent. He’s a product out of IMG Academy in Florida, who got a five-star rating, went to LSU and became an All-American before entering the transfer portal. Now at Alabama, Ricks is the same kind of über-athletic, lanky corner that Alabama sends into the NFL on a conveyor belt.

Draft Wire(Easterling)

Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

Depending on how the 2022 season plays out, the Commanders could end up needing an long-term upgrade at left tackle. Johnson has the size, athleticism, and technique to be a franchise player at a premium position.

NFL Draft Scout(Mello)

Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

Tackle may be weak in 2023 but for now Paris Johnson is the projected OT1. Johnson hasn’t burst onto the scene yet because he has been playing guard with veterans in front of him at tackle. When he gets his chance he could explode in 2023.

NBC Sports Philly(Frank)

Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

Johnson has been playing guard for the Buckeyes, but this coming season he should be back at his natural left tackle spot, and if he performs as expected he could very well be the first offensive lineman off the board in the 2023 draft. The Giants need help big-time on the O-line, which they didn’t address in this year’s draft.

247 Sports(Brockermeyer)

Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan

Ryan Hayes has the size and skills to be a dominant left tackle for the Michigan Wolverines in 2022. Hayes is a prototype NFL tackle and has advanced techniques that could make him a Day 1 selection in 2023. It’s been nearly 10 years since Washington used a first-round pick on the offensive line.

Barstool Sports(Cheah)

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

The Commanders to invest any premium capital in the secondary in the 2022 Draft, so I have them taking the Corner out of Athens, GA early in 2023.

The Game Haus(DiTullio)

Devin Leary, QB, NC State

Carson Wentz is not a long-term answer at quarterback. Leary had a tremendous 2021 season for NC State and could help the Wolfpack compete in the ACC in 2022.

NFL Mocks(Schyvinck)

Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

The Washington Commanders aren’t loaded with needs, but they could have potential hole at left tackle after this season. Peter Skoronski is the next great Northwestern tackle, who is a great run blocker and held his own against both Michigan rushers in 2021.

TWSN(Smith)

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

The Washington Commanders could be in the quarterback market depending on Carson Wentz’s 2022 season. But instead, they opt to replace Matt Ioannidis and upgrade the interior defensive line. Bryan Bresee is a former number one recruit but tore his ACL in 2021. Barring any setbacks, he should be primed and ready for a massive 2022 season.

The Score(Belbeck)

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Mayer ranked second in the country last season among tight ends with 71 catches and constantly helped bail Notre Dame out on third down. The big target is virtually unguardable one-on-one and should give Carson Wentz the security blanket he needs in Washington.

#20

Walter Football(Campbell)

Lathan Ransom, CB, Ohio State

Washington needs defensive back upgrades at cornerback and safety.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Ransom worked his way onto the field as a freshman in 2020 and earned more playing time as the year progressed. He has excellent size with some natural cover skills. Ransom recorded 38 tackles, a forced fumble and five passes defended in 2021.

#21

Draft Countdown(Hallam)

Round 1: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

Round 2: Willie Lampkin, G, Coastal Carolina