The Washington Commanders haven’t ruled out any position with their first-round pick in next week’s 2023 NFL draft. Most believe Washington will choose between a cornerback or offensive lineman, but much of that depends on what happens in the first 15 picks.
One position the Commanders are scouting is edge rusher. That could be a defensive end or a pass-rushing linebacker. If that sounds unusual, remember that Montez Sweat is entering the final year of his contract in 2023, and the Commanders have yet to pick up Chase Young’s fifth-year option.
On Tuesday, Washington hosted one of the draft’s top edge rushers in Clemson’s Myles Murphy on a top 30 visit, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
OT Anton Harrison, DE Myles Murphy and QB Hendon Hooker are all visiting the Commanders today, source confirmed.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 18, 2023
Murphy fits the profile of the type of edge rusher head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio prefer. He has the size [6-foot-5, 268] and is solid against the run. Murphy doesn’t have the same type of explosiveness as Sweat or Young, but his upside is high.
If some of the top offensive linemen and cornerbacks are gone at No. 16, and the Commanders can’t trade back, it would not be a shock if they land an edge rusher, and Murphy is a legit first-round talent.
