5 boom-or-bust prospects the Commanders could draft in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders could draft Austin Booker
- Edge Rusher | Kansas Jayhawks
Finding edge rushing help was imperative for the Washington Commanders this offseason. Trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young evaporated any consistent pressure in opposing backfields over the second half of 2023. K.J. Henry's flashes of rookie promise aside, a significant overhaul became one of the team's top needs.
Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell should assist. Frankie Luvu also offers pass-rushing explosiveness from the defensive second level. It'll also be interesting to see how a creative mind such as Dan Quinn utilizes Jamin Davis given his dynamic athletic traits.
Despite these improved options, the Commanders could use another potential contributor from the college ranks. Austin Booker is incredibly raw, but the upside is absolutely off the charts with improved coaching and more experience.
Booker is a tough evaluation. On one hand, his quick-twitch capabilities and bend around the edge could easily transition to the pros. The Kansas prospect's ability to convert speed-to-power also improved, so it's not hard to see why teams are potentially looking at him at some stage on Day 2.
On the other hand, there are some red flags.
Booker has just one season of legitimate college production. He's technically flawed and his pass-rushing arsenal needs significant work. If everything comes together, someone is going to have a talented player on their hands. But if it doesn't work out, it's hard to determine what sort of role awaits.