ASHBURN, VA - APRIL 25: Washington Commanders Head Coach Ron Rivera, left, and General Manager Martin Mayhew hold a Pre-Draft Press Conference at Washington Commanders Park April 25, 2022 in Ashburn, VA. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Commanders' Top Hypothetical Trades to Make Splash in 2023 NFL Draft

Jake RillApr 3, 2023

The Washington Commanders are in an interesting position. They have a lot of strong players to build around on both sides of the ball. But they also have a decent number of question marks, particularly at quarterback.

So what moves may the Commanders make ahead of and during the 2023 NFL draft? That isn't yet clear, and it may not be until the draft arrives.

But Washington could be active around the draft, which is scheduled for April 27-29 in Kansas City. The team owns eight picks, including the No. 16 overall selection, but that number could go up or down depending on the deals it potentially makes.

Here's a look at several hypothetical trades the Commanders could complete to make a splash either before or during the draft.

Trade Up for a Quarterback

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Quarterback Will Levis of Kentucky participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Falcons receive: No. 16 overall pick, No. 47 overall pick, No. 193 overall pick

Commanders receive: No. 8 overall pick

Is Sam Howell the long-term answer at quarterback for Washington? Maybe. But nobody knows for sure. At this point, though, either he or veteran Jacoby Brissett will be the team's starting QB in 2023.

If the Commanders have any inkling of doubt that Howell may not be the franchise quarterback to build around, perhaps they consider moving up from No. 16 to nab one of the top QBs in the draft class. The Falcons could be looking to trade down, considering they're committing to Desmond Ridder at quarterback, so there may be a match between the two teams.

It would likely take a substantial package of picks for Washington to move up eight spots. So it'd need to be positive that the quarterback it was trading up to get was the right guy. Quarterbacks available around that time could include Kentucky's Will Levis, Florida's Anthony Richardson and/or Ohio State's C.J. Stroud.

Maybe this isn't the best possible move for Commanders, but it's one they should consider. Especially because Howell has only one game of NFL experience.

Trade Down to Acquire More Draft Capital

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: General manager Martin Mayhew of the Washington Commanders speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Chiefs receive: No. 16 overall pick, No. 233 overall pick

Commanders receive: No. 31 overall pick, No. 63 overall pick, No. 166 overall pick

Maybe it would be wiser for Washington to move in the opposite direction. If it's willing to trade down a significant number of spots, then it could acquire some great draft capital in return, allowing it to fill more of the holes on its roster.

The Commanders may not be far off from being a playoff contender. So if they can draft multiple players who could be contributors in 2023, it may set them up for success in the near future.

In this hypothetical trade, Kansas City could be looking to trade up to land a top prospect at one of its biggest positions of need. Washington would be able to capitalize in adding another pick on both Days 2 and 3 of the draft.

This could be the best possible draft scenario for the Commanders, who may just need some complementary pieces on both sides of the ball. By addressing their numerous weaknesses, they may quickly improve.

Trade Montez Sweat

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LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 01: Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) applies pressure to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the Cleveland Browns game versus the Washington Commanders on January 01, 2023, at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Bears receive: DE Montez Sweat

Commanders receive: No. 53 overall pick, No. 148 overall pick

If Washington really wants to add selections in this year's draft, perhaps it could trade from an area of strength. The Commanders have a ton of talent along the defensive line, but they may not be able to sign all of those players to long-term deals.

Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne have already signed big contracts, which leaves Chase Young and Montez Sweat as key D-linemen nearing free agency. Maybe Washington is confident in some of the other edge rushers on its roster and considers listening to offers for Young or Sweat.

If the Commanders are willing to part with Sweat, they could acquire numerous picks for this year's draft. And the Bears, who have a ton of draft capital, could be a great trade partner, considering they need to upgrade their defensive line.

Of course, Sweat is likely to continue to be an impact player for Washington should it opt to keep him. But if it's getting good offers, it may be smart to at least consider them.