“We have the ability to go anywhere in this draft.”
Commanders General Manager Martin Mayhew met with local media Thursday in preparation for next week’s 2023 NFL Draft. The former NFL cornerback and now GM is confident the team after its free agency signings, is deeper and more balanced. “I thought in free agency that we added some guys, some starters from other teams. Two offensive line starters from very good teams, playoff teams. We added a linebacker, quality player there. Added Jacoby [Brissett]. We did some things in free agency that we feel are very beneficial going into our draft.”
Mayhew does not fear that the Commanders are so weak in one area they will have to draft that position in the first round. Having the No. 16 selection in the draft, there will be some good players definitely available. If the Commanders are entering the draft with no glaringly weak position, then why not go ahead and draft the best player available at No. 16?
Free agency set us up for the draft. We have the flexibility to go anywhere in the first round,” expressed Mayhew. That is a credit to our pro department, to our coaching staff who also evaluated all of those players. We are set up in really good shape going into our draft this year.”
The Commanders finished in last place in the NFC East (8-8-1) in 2022. Consequently, if they want to be a playoff team in 2023 (and of course they do), they will need to select a player in the first round who will make an impact next season.