NFL Mock Draft: Commanders Take Top CB After Combine

The Washington Commanders could take a cornerback with their first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But which players will they have a chance to choose from?

Jeremy Brener | Mar 7, 2023

In this story:

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are keeping their eye on improving their secondary early in this year's NFL Draft.

With Kendall Fuller entering the final year of his contract and the team trading William Jackson III early in the season, there's a strong need for a cornerback.

Sports Illustrated agrees, mocking Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon to the Commanders with the No. 16 pick in its first draft simulation after the Combine.

"He’s a high-energy talker who loves to remind wide receivers that they’re getting locked up," SI writes. "Witherspoon has a quick trigger and excellent closing speed on short routes and screens."

Witherspoon is the first of four cornerbacks to be taken in the mock draft after Christian Gonzalez (No. 17, Pittsburgh Steelers), Kelee Ringo (No. 18, Detroit Lions) and Joey Porter Jr. (No. 24, Minnesota Vikings).

Witherspoon met with the Commanders during the Combine but did not participate in any of the major drills, including the 40-yard dash. Despite his lack of participation in the main drills, Witherspoon projects to be competing with Gonzalez to be the top cornerback selected in the draft.

Gonzalez had one of the fastest 40-yard dash times with 4.38 seconds and a top vertical jump at 41.5". Those gave him a shot to overtake Witherspoon as the top cornerback, but the Commanders might not have the luxury of picking between the two if they stay at No. 16.

Follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here

Published Mar 7, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.