Adam Peters is about to begin his first NFL Draft in the top chair. The Washington Commanders are counting on their new general manager to continue his impressive offseason by maximizing their nine selections - six of which are in the top 100. Trading established stars such as Montez Sweat and Chase Young was difficult, but it's why they are in such a promising position heading into the all-important selection process.
It's been an exhausting process centered primarily on which quarterback the Commanders will take at No. 2 overall. But there is growing speculation linking Peters with a daring trade back into the first round for a franchise left tackle capable of providing their rookie signal-caller with adequate blindside protection right out of the gate.
Peters will be watching events unfold closely. He's probably made a few calls beforehand to see which teams could be interested in moving back if the price is right. Fans should not think the hard work is done once their new quarterback comes to the stage.
Using the Fitzgerald-Spielberger draft value chart available via Over the Cap, we put together four trade possibilities with potentially interested parties that the Commanders could make in pursuit of getting back into the first round.
Commanders trade offer No. 1
Looking at the landscape, moving into the top 10 would be difficult. This would likely cost substantial capital this year and potentially next. Considering Adam Peters' intent to build through the draft, it might be a little rich for his blood.
However, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of trading into the teens if the right opportunity comes along. The Washington Commanders need to react quickly in this scenario, especially considering the expected run on the top-level offensive tackles at some stage. Peters cannot miss out, so having the package ready to go and striking with supreme conviction is critical.
In this scenario, the Seattle Seahawks look like they could be open for business. Peters has already dealt with them earlier this offseason with the Sam Howell trade, so the previous connection is there.
According to the value chart, the No. 16 overall pick is worth 1,595 points. The Commanders could offer the No. 36 pick (1,184 points), and the No. 139 overall selection (499 points) to get the deal done. It might take more when push comes to shove, but this seems like solid value to get a deal over the line.
Commanders trade offer No. 2
The Washington Commanders could decide to take their chances at No. 36 overall in their quest to find a franchise left tackle. It's also worth remembering they could also have a potential need on the right-hand side, although this is considered less urgent when one considers the presence of Andrew Wylie. His first season was indifferent, but the coaching staff might give him another shot with better options around him on the offensive line.
On the blindside, it's a different story. Charles Leno Jr. was released and the Commanders did nothing to fortify the position in free agency aside from re-signing swing option Cornelius Lucas. Adam Peters has also commented on how good and deep this draft class is for edge protectors. Taking more than one is a definite possibility.
If premier offensive tackle prospects begin to fly off the board, it could force Peters into drastic action. But if this lands the Commanders a cornerstone piece at the left tackle position for the next decade, nobody will be moaning too much about the compensation.
In this scenario, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the primary trade partner. They have the No. 17 overall selection, which is worth 1,564 points according to the value chart. If the Commanders want to part ways with No. 40 overall (1,131 points) and the No. 152 selection (454 points), this adds up based on the Fitzgerald-Spielberger projections.
Of course, this is also a supply and demand situation. If the Commanders have a sense of urgency, the Jaguars could be in a position to bargain a little more, especially if Washington is high on a particular prospect and boasts a level of concern that someone could jump the queue.
It's a fascinating scenario - one the Commanders must handle carefully. Staying calm and avoiding any semblance of panic amid the chaos is the only way Peters is going to come out of this smelling of roses. At the same time, he cannot sit on his hands and wait for things to fall into his lap.
Commanders trade offer No. 3
Much will depend on when the run on offensive tackles begins. It'll happen at some stage, so Adam Peters must strike quickly when his instincts tell him that several prospects of interest are about to go elsewhere.
Somewhere in the late teens or early 20s could be the sweet spot. It might happen sooner, but with the early projected run on quarterbacks and the quality of elite-level wide receivers, there is just no telling for sure. The Washington Commanders cannot be left on the back foot, so fans can expect a little extra drama if Peters feels like it's the best thing for the franchise.
There is a level of confidence that Peters is the right man to navigate this process successfully. He's got proven credentials working in front offices around the league with plenty of success attached. Couple this with the strong impression he's made since joining the Commanders, and it's not hard to see why optimism is so high.
If things take a little longer to develop, then perhaps the Miami Dolphins would be receptive to moving down a few spots so the Commanders can jump to land an offensive tackle high on their board. They hold the No. 21 overall pick, which is worth 1,457 points according to the draft value chart.
Washington could offer the No. 36 overall selection (1,184 points), the No. 152 selection (454 points), and their third-rounder in 2025 to get this sort of deal over the line. This is a little steeper than Peters probably would like, but the Dolphins could be reluctant to move down - especially if one of the top defensive linemen or interior offensive linemen is there for the taking.
The Commanders would also get the No. 184 overall selection (357 points) as part of the deal. Whether Peters would consider this to be a viable option in pursuit of landing one of the top-tier left tackle prospects remains to be seen, but it cannot be completely ruled out looking at the capital at his disposal.
Commanders trade offer No. 4
Let's finish with something a little bolder.
The Washington Commanders are armed with a bounty of assets in 2024. This puts Adam Peters in a solid position to make a daring move up the order for a left tackle. Could this result in the general manager pulling the trigger on a lofty trade into the top 10? It's highly unlikely all things considered, but anything can happen during the NFL Draft.
Looking at consensus projections, the Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans could be in the market for an offensive tackle in the top 10. Jim Harbaugh's men might consider trading down for a king's ransom if a team is desperate enough for one of the quarterback prospects, but another potential scenario is something the Commanders might be able to take advantage of.
The Atlanta Falcons sit at pick No. 8 and have no desire to take a quarterback after Kirk Cousins joined from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. This same move is currently the subject of an NFL investigation, with many anticipating the loss of draft picks if the organization is found guilty.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, it won't be this year. Therefore, the Falcons would be wise to consider moving back in pursuit of stockpiling picks in the event NFL officials come down hard for their alleged tampering transgressions.
Atlanta's No. 8 pick is worth 1,946 points based on the draft value chart. The Commanders could package together the No. 36 pick (1,184 points), and No. 40 pick (1,131 points), and throw in their second-rounder next year for good measure. It's overpaying to a certain extent according to the Fitzgerald-Spielberger standard, but this is typically what it takes to make such a big leap up the pecking order.
Of course, this leaves the Commanders without a second-round pick this year and next. But again, if this lands the Commanders someone like Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu, or JC Latham, one critical position of need is likely filled for the next decade.