Washington Commanders First Pick Predictions & Odds: 2023 NFL Draft

Despite a slew of injuries and a failed Carson Wentz experiment, Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke pulled the team together to make a surprising playoff surge in the second half of the 2022 season. Alas, the Commanders finished 8-8-1 and just barely missed out on the NFL postseason.

This has left the 2023 iteration of the Commanders with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, commencing tonight – Thursday, April 27th. With glaring needs at cornerback and offensive line, and potential needs at quarterback and tight end, will the Commanders stand pat and take the best available need at #16, or will they trade up or down in hot pursuit of a need they feel should be addressed most?

The 2023 NFL Draft spells lots of possible outcomes for the Commanders, which means this team can be a tough read for betting purposes. However, we have put together our best Washington Commanders first pick predictions to help you make an educated bet on their first-round pick.

Even better, when you do so as a new user at DraftKings, you can bet just $5 on our Washington Commanders first pick predictions and earn a $150 bonus instantly, before your bet even grades as a win or loss. Use a provided link in this article to get started but be sure to read our analysis and details in full.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS FIRST PICK PREDICTION: Offensive Lineman (+200 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

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Washington Commanders: Areas to Improve Ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft

As briefly mentioned above, the Commanders have a few needs, some more pressing than others. In no particular order, cornerback and offensive line are two needs that are not only pressing, but realistic to improve from their current first round draft position.

While an elite quarterback would be a nice add for a Commander's offense that is seemingly just a QB away, second-year pro Sam Howell is worthy of a shot in the starting role in 2023. He is unproven and undersized, but also tough-nosed, accurate and most importantly: more talented than his 2022 fifth-round draft selection implies.

Tight end could be another need after Logan Thomas’ recent struggles and injuries, but the veteran is back and a first-round pick used on a tight end may not be the best route for a team who needs more of a foundational piece. That is why a top-tier cornerback or offensive lineman are the two most likely positions the Commanders will draft with their first pick.

While the Commanders addressed some offensive line needs in free agency, they are still far from golden on that front. Their unit finished 26th in pressure rate allowed last season and 27th in pass block win rate. They weren’t much better in the run game, either. Though Kendall Fuller does need help in the secondary, this organization hasn’t drafted a secondary piece in the first round since 2007. Our Washington Commanders first pick predictions are focused on the offensive line, so let’s dive in.

First Pick Predictions for the Washington Commanders Selecting 16th Overall

The difficulty in predicting the Commanders’ first-round selection mostly stems from the possibility that they could trade up to get a top-tier cornerback like Christian Gonzalez or Devon Witherspoon, or an offensive lineman like Paris Johnson or Peter Skoronski, or they could even trade down to take a corner like Joey Porter Jr. or a quarterback like Hendon Hooker.

The possibilities are endless, but in reality, the Commanders should feel secure with the #16 pick knowing some stud offensive linemen are sure to be on the board at that spot. While only one of Broderick Jones and Darnell Wright might be there at #16, our Washington Commanders first pick predictions see one of these two players being selected by the team – most likely Darnell Wright.

Wright is an uber-talented right tackle from the University of Tennessee who could fit right alongside the Commanders’ recent pickups in free agency. While his motor can come into question, there is no doubting his ability and potential. He is NFL-ready now and could be an instant impact addition.

Our Washington Commanders first round pick predictions are comfortably settling on an offensive lineman like Darnell Wright. If you want to fade or follow our predictions, do so at DraftKings Sportsbook and bet the position of Washington’s first drafted player to be an offensive lineman at +200 odds. If you are a new user, sign up with this link without a promo code, deposit and make an initial bet of $5 on our Washington Commander first pick predictions to instantly receive a $150 bonus.

How to Bet on the 2023 NFL Draft & Score a $150 Bonus Code With DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings doesn’t just offer some of the best odds around with a vast display of NFL Draft markets, but the sportsbook is also extremely simple to navigate. To activate the DraftKings new-user promo following our Washington Commanders first pick predictions, simply sign up here. Our links will automatically apply a DraftKings promo code, so none is needed on your end. Finish creating your account and make a first-time deposit of $5+.

To secure your $150 bonus instantly, click on the ‘NFL’ tab on the DraftKings sports menu. This will bring you to their 2023 NFL Draft markets. Scroll to the right, where you will see ‘Draft Team Specials.’ Click that option and scroll over to the ‘NFC East’ tab. From there, scroll down to the Washington Commanders ‘Position of Team’s First Drafted Player’ market.

To back our Washington Commanders first pick predictions, select “Offensive Lineman” with +200 odds and bet $5. If they end up selecting an OL, you will receive $15 in cash winnings, plus a $150 reward in the form of six $25 bonus bets. Even if they go with a cornerback or another position entirely, you will still receive the $150 bonus. Get your instant, guaranteed bonus in time for the NFL Draft by clicking here to register with DraftKings.

Betting Odds & Lines for the NFL Draft at DraftKings Sportsbook

Regarding the position the Commanders select in the first round of tonight’s NFL Draft, here are the odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook:

• Cornerback: -110
• Offensive Lineman: +200
• Defensive Lineman: +350
• Tight End: +650
• Running Back: +750
• Quarterback: +1100
• Safety: +3000
• Linebacker: +3000
• Wide Receiver: +5000
• Kicker/Punter/Long Snapper: +20000

Follow or fade our Washington Commanders first pick predictions, which are set on an offensive lineman at +200, after you click here to get started at DraftKings.

Start Time for the 2023 NFL Draft

The first round of the coveted 2023 NFL Draft kicks off tonight, Thursday, April 27th at 8 PM ET. Be sure to use this link to sign up at DraftKings and make a $5 bet on the Commanders’ first round pick. Regardless of how your bet settles, $150 worth of bonus bets will be all yours.

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