2023 NFL redraft is a tough one for Commanders' fans
· Yahoo Sports
We've discussed just how bad Ron Rivera's tenure as head of football operations for the Washington Commanders was over his four years in charge (2020-23). While Rivera's record as head coach (26-40-1) wasn't good enough, it was his role as head of football operations that eventually proved his undoing.
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Rivera was in charge of Washington's draft for four seasons. During those four seasons, the Commanders used first-round picks on edge Chase Young, linebacker Jamin Davis, wide receiver Jahan Dotson and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. It's hard to criticize Rivera for the Young selection. Young was an elite prospect, and Rivera wasn't wrong in selecting him at No. 2 overall.
Unfortunately, the other three were reaches, as many teams didn't even consider Davis a first-round player, while Dotson and Forbes had plenty of questions as first-round picks. None of the four first-round picks made it through four seasons in Washington, with Forbes not even making it through Year 2.
Speaking of Forbes, we've often mentioned how the Commanders could've selected the consensus No. 1 cornerback in that draft, Christian Gonzalez, but instead went with Forbes. Gonzalez went one pick later and is already a Pro Bowl player. Forbes is now with the Los Angeles Rams, who declined his fifth-year option for 2026.
CBS Sports recently regraded the 2023 NFL Draft. CBS initially gave the Commanders a B+, but gave them an F this time around. That's the correct grade.
After regrading the 2023 draft, CBS most recently did a 2023 NFL redraft. The Commanders held the No. 16 overall pick. In the redraft, Washington does not land Gonzalez this time either. Instead, this one will really break the hearts of Commanders' fans. Somehow, Washington lands Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who initially went No. 20 overall.
This is a layup. Scary Terry gets some help in the form of one of the best players in the league who somehow slips to pick No. 16 here. McLaurin, Smith-Njigba and Antonio Williams would be A LOT of fun.
Could you imagine Jayden Daniels throwing to Smith-Njigba, Terry McLaurin, Chig Okonkwo and Antonio Williams in 2026?
In three NFL seasons, Smith-Njigba has 282 receptions, 3,551 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was named first-team All-Pro in 2025. This offseason, he became the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
Yeah, this one stings.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Jaxon Smith-Njigba lands in DC in 2023 redraft