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Washington Commanders Draft Picks, Reactions & Odds Post-NFL Draft 2023

Washington Commanders draft picks and NFL Draft reactions with DraftKings

After placing fourth in the NFC East and missing the playoffs with a 8-8-1 record, the Washington Commanders head into 2023 with optimism that this year will be an improvement over the last. And, with seven total selections, the Commanders hope to see some first-year players step in and make a difference.

Below, we’ll go over each of the Washington Commanders’ draft picks, provide our NFL Draft reactions and explain how to qualify for DraftKings’ new user promotion worth $150 by clicking on this link to create an account.

Washington Commanders 2023-24 SEASON PREDICTION: Total Wins OVER 7.5 (+135) at DraftKings Sportsbook

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Results of All Washington Commanders Draft Picks in 2023 Including Emmanuel Forbes

The Washington Commanders had seven total draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, including the 16th overall selection in the first round. Here are each of the Commanders’ draft picks:

  • Round 1, Pick 16: Emmanuel Sanders, CB, Mississippi State
  • Round 2, Pick 47: Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois
  • Round 3, Pick 97: Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
  • Round 4, Pick 118: Braeden Daniels, OT, Utah
  • Round 5, Pick 137: K.J. Henry, EDGE, Clemson
  • Round 6, Pick 193: Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
  • Round 7, Pick 233: Andre Jones Jr., DE, Louisiana-Lafayette

Analysis & Reaction to the Commanders’ 2023 Draft

The Washington Commanders have generally drawn praise for their approach to the 2023 NFL Draft, focusing on solidifying their secondary, offensive line, and pass rush. However, there have also been some criticisms among various NFL Draft reactions, primarily centered around Washington’s decision to take CB Emmanuel Sanders with the 16th overall selection.

Nobody is making the argument that Sanders is not a good football player, nor is anyone arguing that Sanders deserved to be selected in the first round. Forbes runs a 4.35 40-yard dash and boasts a 10-foot-11-inch broad jump, providing a glimpse into his stupendous athleticism. Forbes certainly has the athletic ability to keep up with the top WRs in the NFL; however, where much of the doubt surrounding Sanders is pointed is his size. He weighs in at just 166 pounds, and may struggle to defend more physical NFL WRs. His limited size may also be a liability in the run game. Still, Sanders will likely be productive from the jump in his NFL career, and he can be a difference-maker if the Commanders use matchups wisely.

Another reason Sanders’ selection has been criticized is the fact that he was selected over three similarly-talented, more-highly-rated CB prospects that remained on the board at 16: Christian Gonzalez, Joey Porter Jr. and Deonte Banks.

While it’s certainly possible Washington simply had Sanders higher on their board than the aforementioned trio, it’s also possible that the Commanders have a more interesting option up their sleeve: moving him to safety. More and more NFL teams are utilizing three-safety sets, and Sanders’ speed and ball-hawking abilities may play better at the position than at cornerback. Moreover, his limited size will be less of a liability at safety. With Washington selecting another cornerback – Jartavius Martin – with their second pick, this may end up coming to fruition.

Further down the board, the Commanders made uncontroversial, solid selections. Ricky Stromberg, a center from Arkansas, was a solid third-round pick after three other centers were taken prior. The Commanders desperately needed a starting center, and Stromberg is an NFL-ready prospect who can step in and start from day one. Braeden Daniels, their fourth-round pick, is less NFL-ready than Stromberg but provides immense upside at an important position.

Their final two picks – RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. and EDGE rusher Andre Jones – are perfect depth fits for Washington. The Commanders needed depth on the defensive line, and Jones (though old for his class) has the tools to be a difference-maker. Getting him in the seventh may end up a major bargain. Similarly, Rodriguez is a power back, which the Commanders really needed. With a slew of scat-back-types in the running back room, Rodriguez may step into a goal-line or third-and-short role to spell their more explosive backs and keep them healthy throughout the season.

If you think the Washington Commanders’ Draft picks will help them succeed in 2024, click this link to create a DraftKings Sportsbook account and qualify for their new user promotion. Once you sign up, make a deposit of at least $5 and bet at least $5 on any sports market, you’ll earn $150 in bonus bet credits instantly. No promo code is required.

Predictions & Best Bets for the Commanders in the Upcoming NFL Season

Based on the Commanders’ roster, performance in 2022 and their incoming NFL Draft class, our NFL Draft reactions don’t change a whole lot about our projections for Washington in the 2024 season. Stuck in a tough conference that features the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, the Commanders are definitely a longshot to win their division.

While they’re unlikely to make the playoffs this season, that doesn’t mean they’ll be terrible. After posting eight wins in 2022, the improvements to their roster should only improve their final record in the upcoming season. As a result, our first best bet for the Commanders’ 2024 NFL season is for them to surpass their total wins prop, currently set at 7.5 (over +135) at DraftKings Sportsbook. The Commanders would need to take a step back and have a losing season for the under to cash, so we think the (+135) odds for them to repeat with at least eight wins is a good value.

Though they’re likely to surpass their total wins prop, we still don’t think they’ll make the playoffs. Oddsmakers seem to agree, as their betting odds to make the playoffs sit at (+270), while their odds to miss the postseason are at (-330). Considering the division they’re in, we think the (-330) odds to miss the playoffs are fairly valuable, though we certainly wouldn’t scold you for missing out on this line.

If you’d like to back the predictions we’ve made based on our NFL Draft reactions, click this link to create a DraftKings Sportsbook account and qualify for their new user promotion. No promo code is required – just click the link above to create an account, make a deposit of at least $5 and bet $5 or more on any sports market to qualify.

How to Bet on the Washington Commanders at DraftKings Sportsbook & Earn a $150 Bonus

DraftKings Sportsbook is making it easy for Washington Commanders bettors to earn $150 in bonus bet credits. To qualify for this new user promotion, you’ll need to meet the following conditions:

  • Be a first-time DraftKings Sportsbook user
  • Be 21 years of age or older
  • Be located in a state where DraftKings operates
  • Sign up using this link
  • Make a deposit of at least $5
  • Bet at least $5 on any sports market

Once you follow the steps outlined above, you’ll earn $150 in bonus bet credits once your bet settles. No promo code is required, but you will need to sign up for DraftKings using a link from this article to qualify.

Post-Draft NFL Odds for the Entire League Courtesy of DraftKings: 2023-24 Season

Here are the latest odds to win the Super Bowl for each NFL team, per DraftKings Sportsbook:

If you like any of these futures odds or want to use our NFL Draft reactions to bet on the Washington Commanders this season, hurry over to DraftKings Sportsbook and sign up using this link. Once you sign up, make a deposit of at least $5 and bet at least $5 on any sports market, you’ll qualify to earn $150 in bonus bet credits instantly. No promo code is required; instead, you’ll need to sign up using a link from this article to qualify.

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