4 critical draft needs the Commanders must resolve in 2024
The needs are becoming clearer...
By Dean Jones
What critical remaining needs must the Washington Commanders resolve with their rich 2024 NFL Draft assets?
The Washington Commanders have been active in reinforcing their roster under new general manager Adam Peters. Nobody expected the franchise to sit and wait for things to fall into their lap. Those in power were aggressive, acted with conviction to land targets of interest, and found solid value in positions of need.
Peters is off to a good start, but the work is far from done. The Commanders are at the business end of their draft evaluations and have a bounty of high-end assets at their disposal. Washington boasts six selections in the top 100 and nine in total. There is freedom to move up and down the board should they wish, but coming out of the process with immediate difference-makers is imperative.
Washington's roster looks better now than it did before free agency began. Peters has always stated this will be a gradual route back to progression, but it can be sped up by finding the right quarterback at No. 2 overall and spending their other picks wisely.
With this in mind, here are four critical remaining needs the Commanders must resolve during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Commanders need another edge rusher
After trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline, the Washington Commanders made finding edge rushing help one of their top priorities in free agency. Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell all signed on the dotted line. Frankie Luvu also has proven production when it comes to getting after the quarterback, so the options have improved.
That said, adding another gifted pass-rusher via the draft would be prudent. Much will depend on K.J. Henry's development entering Year 2 of his professional career, but no team can ever have enough decent performers capable of causing havoc in opposing backfields.
Washington also needs secondary help, but a good pass rush can always compensate for failings in this area of the field.