The 2023 NFL draft is less than three weeks away, and we here at Commanders Wire will look to profile multiple 2023 prospects daily leading up to day one of the draft.
We will focus on prospects who could be available for Washington and who fit a position of need. Our prospect profiles will not be exclusive to projected first-round picks only but also players who will be selected on the second and third days of the NFL draft.
The Commanders are first on the clock at No. 16 overall.
Today, we learn about Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Broderick Jones.
The numbers
Size: 6-foot-5, 311 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.97 seconds
Arms: 34 3/4″
Hands: 10 5/8″
Vertical jump: 30″
Broad jump: 9’
10-yard split: 1.74
Scouting report
The 21-year-old Broderick Jones came to the University of Georgia in 2020 as a five-star prospect. Unlike most five-star prospects, Jones sat his freshman season due to Georgia’s depth at offensive tackle.
Jones has the size and length to be a starting left tackle in the NFL on day one. He could also play right tackle.
Here’s Lance Zierlein of NFL.com’s analysis of Jones:
Ultra-athletic tackle prospect with the size, length and potential to develop into a plus starter on the left side. Jones’ frame and technique both are in the developmental phase. His entry into block fits can be a little disjointed. He needs to improve his punch accuracy and timing to make the most of his length in pass protection. Jones is very talented at working into space and landing a block to help spring the running game. He has the nimble feet to mirror or recover against the rush. Jones isn’t a finished product, but the physical and athletic gifts allow for a projection as a good, long-time starter.
College stats
2020: Appeared in two games as a true freshman before redshirting.
2021: Was the backup behind Jamaree Salyer at left tackle. When Salyer missed four games with an injury, Jones stepped in and started four games. Georgia won the national championship. He was named to SEC All-Freshman Team.
2022: Started all 15 games at left tackle as the Bulldogs won their second consecutive national championship. All-SEC first-team selection.
Highlights
Fit with Commanders
The Commanders have a veteran left tackle in Charles Leno Jr. While some seem to believe Leno isn’t very good, that’s not true. The problem for Washington fans is after having Chris Samuels and Trent Williams at left tackle for two decades, everyone else looks average — or less. Leno was up and down in 2022 but should remain the starter in 2023.
However, what if Jones falls to Washington at No. 16? Sure, you could start Leno in 2023 and keep Jones as a reserve or move him to right tackle, meaning Andrew Wylie and Sam Cosmi would be your guards. But, the Commanders could move on from Leno if Jones or Paris Johnson somehow falls to them at No. 16. It’s no secret Washington would like to find its future left tackle. Jones would be that guy. As of now, it’s difficult to see Jones falling to 16th overall, but never say never.
