Commanders Mock Draft Roundup: 5 Prospects Washington Could Take at No. 16

Who will the Washington Commanders select with their first-round pick? A variety of experts weigh in.
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With one week until the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, here's a look at what experts believe that the Washington Commanders will do with the No. 16 overall pick. 

NFL.com: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

"In his final season at Utah, Kincaid caught 70 passes for 890 yards and eight touchdowns. As Schrager noted, Eric Bieniemy is the new offensive coordinator for the Commanders, and he has two Super Bowl rings on his resume in large part because of the presence of Travis Kelce. Pairing Kincaid with Logan Thomas would give Washington two impressive tight ends."

Pro Football Focus: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee 

"Wright is 6-foot-5 and weighs 333 pounds, with Renner calling him "one bad dude" and suggesting that while his long-term future may be at right tackle, he could immediately be plugged in as a starting guard."

The Draft Network: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

"In a division with A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, Darren Waller, Brandin Cooks and DeVonta Smith, you can never have too many talented corners. Melo writes that "Gonzalez would bring an enticing blend of length and ball skills to Washington’s defensive backfield," making him an intriguing prospect as the Commanders try to compete in a crowded division."

CBS Sports: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

"Banks is another potential option at cornerback, which is arguably the most-pressing need for the Commanders." 

Pro Football Network: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

"Whether the long-term answer at quarterback is Sam Howell or someone else, having a strong offensive line is crucial to contending in today's NFL. Caplan notes that Jones could eventually be the left tackle in Washington, but in the meantime provide value elsewhere on the line."


There's a large range for the Commanders and what they can do with their first pick. Cornerback appears to be the biggest need for the team, but if a talented offensive lineman to protect Sam Howell is on the board, or if a big target in the middle of the field at tight end can be taken, it could be in Washington's best interest to fortify the offense.


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Tim Kelly
TIM KELLY

Tim Kelly is a contributor to SI's team sites. Additionally, Kelly covers the Philadelphia Phillies as the Editorial Director for PhilliesNation.com. Previously, Kelly has been a producer at SportsRadio 94 WIP and a content producer for Audacy Sports, with written content syndicated to WIP, WFAN, WEEI and some of the biggest sports radio stations in the country. Kelly also has previously written for SportsTalkPhilly.com and Section 215, FanSided's Philadelphia affiliate. Kelly is a 2018 graduate of Bloomsburg University, with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in political science.