Noah Brown - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders prioritized the supporting cast around quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason, and rightfully so. Adam Peters knows how important maximizing his rookie contract is before things get more complicated (and expensive) to keep him around. Striking while the iron is hot was the only realistic path.
That didn't stop during the draft. The Commanders picked up another useful addition to the wideout unit with Jaylin Lane at No. 128 overall. He was a victim of circumstance after being schemed relatively ineffectively at Virginia Tech last season, which means Washington could have a potential steal on their hands.
Lane has the speed to go downfield and is an electrifying threat with the football in his hands. He's not coming to make up the numbers. The gifted pass-catcher wants to establish himself immediately en route to prominent rookie involvement. That much is abundantly clear.
That increases the pressure on everyone. Luke McCaffrey and Michael Gallup might be impacted. Noah Brown is another who'll need to hit the ground running when the tempo increases in the not-too-distant future.
Brown is bigger, more experienced, and adept at accumulating defensive pass interference penalties with a wide wingspan and sound body control. He'll have a role to play, but don't be surprised if Lane eats into his targets.
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
Adam Peters' bombshell trade activity began before the 2024 deadline with the acquisition of four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore. This was a real statement that announced the Commanders as a force once again. Unfortunately, the acquisition didn't reap immediate rewards, albeit with mitigating circumstances attached.
Lattimore came into Washington with a hamstring injury that hindered him throughout the campaign. There were signs of the old shutdown threat at times, but the former Ohio State standout never looked comfortable. The fact that Washington had to move him off the likes of Mike Evans and A.J. Brown during the postseason spoke volumes.
Peters threw his support behind Lattimore this offseason. The Commanders are confident he can benefit from a prolonged recovery and a full preparation period with the squad. If not, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has another physical boundary presence after Washington drafted Trey Amos at No. 61 overall.
Lattimore and Amos could start opposite each other, with Mike Sainristil switching back into the nickel. That's the best-case scenario for Washington, but the team's cornerback options are flexible enough to move around depending on injuries or poor performance.
The pressure is on Lattimore to remind the world why he was considered among the league's best once upon of time. Anything less comes with grave consequences attached.