NFL Draft: Commanders Targeted Leadership and Competition on Day 3

Where traits are concerned some are evident on the field and others are shown off of it. The Washington Commanders looked for both types to close out their NFL Draft class.

ASHBURN, Va. -- With three rounds in the books the Washington Commanders entered the third day of the NFL Draft looking to put the finishing touches on another promising class of rookies. 

It'll be hard for the Commanders to replicate the amount of potential witnessed in their 2022 class, but they gave it their best shot by bringing in offensive lineman Braeden Daniels (Utah) and edge defender KJ Henry (Clemson).

Daniels is expected to bring in a level of toughness after getting extensive experience at the collegiate level starting 43 games for the Utes with a close split between left guard (18), left tackle (14), and right tackle (11).

The two-time Pac-12 All-Conference selection helped Utah produce more than 200 yards per game on the ground while surrendering just over one sack per game on average. 

Their second pick of the third day, Henry is a fifth-round pick with a strong possibility of contributing beyond special teams.

"They are getting a guy who is athletic and who loves the game," says Clemson defensive end coach Lemanski Hall. "He brings a lot of energy. He's very smart, very tough and very charismatic. He's a great guy who is going to do a great job there."

Washington rounded out the final day of the draft grabbing players who - like many late-round picks - do something very well, but will have to earn a spot on special teams specifically to get their chance at expanding their roles on either offense or defense.

Kentucky running back Chris Rodgriguez Jr. is a short-yardage power back, and immediately let it be known he's ready and willing to fill any special teams role the Commanders ask him to. 

Seventh-round pick Andre Jones Jr. is an edge rusher from Louisiana who will rejoin former college teammate Percy Butler in the NFL and look to make his mark on special teams and flex some pass-rushing ability early as a developmental defensive end.

With the NFL Draft officially closed for Washington, here's the team's 2023 rookie class prior to the addition of undrafted free agents.

1st Round, Pick 16: CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

2nd Round, Pick 47: S Quan Martin, Illinois

3rd Round, Pick 97: OC Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas

4th Round, Pick 118: OG Braeden Daniels, Utah

5th Round, Pick 137: EDGE KJ Henry, Clemson

6th Round, Pick 193: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky

7th Round, Pick 233: EDGE Andre Jones Jr., Louisiana 

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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