10 prospects Commanders should avoid in the 2024 NFL Draft

Commanders should avoid T'Vondre Sweat

• Defensive Tackle | Texas Longhorns

T'Vondre Sweat would have been a gamble even before his DWI arrest last month. He is a massive player with enormous power who could be dominant playing in the middle of a professional defensive line. But his weight and conditioning have been a concern. The arrest only exacerbates worries about his maturity level.

Out of all the prospects on this list, Sweat is the one who has the best chance of developing into a first-rate professional. If he were to fall far enough, a team would be wise to grab him. That means taking him on Day 3, and I doubt the former borderline first-rounder will end up falling that far.

Considering the Washington Commanders have a lot of holes, they can’t be taking such a big gamble until the later rounds.

Commanders should avoid Tory Taylor

• Punter | Iowa Hawkeyes

Tory Taylor is an excellent punter. He projects to be a very good professional. The Commanders have a high-priced veteran on the downside of his career in Tress Way. Seems like a good fit, no? No.

Unless a team's roster is so loaded that they can spend a pick on a luxury, punters should be off the table. I know they aren’t luxuries, and I know that some excellent punters have come into the league via the draft. Do you know what I also know? I know that A. J. Cole, Tommy Townsend, Ryan Stonehouse, and Jack Fox - all of whom have been consistent Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections over the past several years - all entered the league as undrafted free agents.

You do not need to spend a draft pick to get a good punter.

Commanders should avoid Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

• Linebacker | Clemson Tigers

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was a popular pick early in the evaluation process. He played well at an elite program, he had name recognition due to his father’s NFL success, and concerning the Commanders, he played a position of need. But things have changed.

Washington partly addressed the linebacker position through free agency, though they still need to bolster it with some younger talent. Trotter, like several others on this list, is not physically imposing enough to merit a Day 2 pick.

I expect he will be a decent professional, but I see him as a special team player and backup. Think Khaleke Hudson, albeit with somewhat better linebacking instincts.

Early in the evaluation process, I was comparing Trotter to Nick Bolton, one of my favorite players from the 2021 NFL Draft. But I don’t think their explosiveness is close and doubt he can ever be the disruptive force that you would expect from a Day 2 linebacking prospect.