ESPN Takes Shot at Commanders 'Bold Strategy' in NFL Draft

Not taking a quarterback or offensive tackle drew ire towards the Washington Commanders 2023 draft class.

Not everyone was a fan of the Washington Commanders’ 2023 NFL Draft class.

ESPN broke down its favorite and least favorite picks along with which teams had the best and worst drafts. Washington found itself on the wrong side of the conversation, as they got tabbed as one of the “least favorite” classes.

“Not selecting a quarterback or offensive tackle in the entire draft was a bold strategy for a team with question marks at both spots,” ESPN writes. “The Commanders are truly all-in on Sam Howell and veteran Jacoby Brissett at quarterback and might have the shakiest offensive line in the entire NFL after Arizona shored up its unit with Paris Johnson Jr. in Round 1.”

While Washington didn’t take a true offensive tackle, they did address the offensive line through free agency and the draft. The Commanders signed Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie, and they drafted Ricky Stromberg along with Braeden Daniels. Wylie’s experience at right tackle with the Kansas City Chiefs and Eric Bieniemy may very well give him the inside track to start at the same position for Washington.

Washington allowed 48 sacks in 2022, which was the seventh-most in the NFL.

As for the quarterback position, it’s clear the Commanders believe in Howell, who they took in the fifth round of last year's draft. That was demonstrated when they let Taylor Heinicke walk and never inquired about Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson when he was under the non-exclusive franchise tag. The Commanders also passed on potentially taking WIll Levis and Hendon Hooker, both of whom fell out of the first round. Should Howell slip up, Brissett’s experience makes him a more than capable backup.

Regardless of the positions the Commanders didn't address in the draft, Washington selected talented players on both sides of the ball and hopes to prove ESPN wrong this season.

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