4 Commanders players whose stock could crash beyond repair in 2024
By Dean Jones
Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE
The Washington Commanders moved swiftly to enhance their edge rushing options this offseason. This was almost guaranteed after those in power traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat before the 2023 deadline - a move that disintegrated any consistent pass-rush in the blink of an eye.
Adam Peters and Dan Quinn turned to veteran players they know well. Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr. joined from the Dallas Cowboys. Clelin Ferrell signed a short-term deal after spending one season with the San Francisco 49ers. These moves have to pay off for Washington's defense to stand any chance of making strides next time around.
Ferrell might never reach the heights expected of a No. 4 overall selection, but he could be a decent asset if utilized correctly. It's not his fault the Las Vegas Raiders drafted him too high. He's just bearing the brunt of poor pre-draft assessments from Mike Mayock and others in positions of power at the time.
This is a crossroads campaign for Ferrell. He's been a bit part player over the last three years, but there were signs of life with the Niners last season that didn't go unnoticed by Peters.
It's a low-risk, high-reward pickup by the Commanders, but no more than that. The Virginia native is relishing the chance to play closer to home, which should help spur him on. At the same time, he needs to prove worthy of prominent reps and beat out Fowler for the second starting defensive end spot opposite Armstrong.
If Ferrell can do this, opportunities to make plays should be plentiful. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne will take up the primary focus of opposing protection schemes. This might leave enough space for Washington's edge rushers to do damage if they are schemed effectively by Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
Should Ferrell fluff his lines again, one would be hard-pressed to see a way back into a starting role with the Commanders or elsewhere moving forward.