Which boom-or-bust 2024 NFL Draft prospects could the Washington Commanders potentially gamble on under Adam Peters?
Adam Peters has set the Washington Commanders up nicely heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. He's taken care of some glaring roster needs and boasts the financial resources to make additional moves if the right opportunities come along. Before that, navigating the all-important selection process is critical as part of his plans to build through the college ranks and supplement in free agency.
The Commanders have six selections in the top 100 and nine in total. There are some priorities Peters must factor into his draft board, but there could be room for a gamble or two depending on which prospects become available at specific stages.
There aren't many sure things where the draft is concerned. Ron Rivera found that out to his cost during the coach's four-year tenure. Hopefully, Peters' exceptional track record elsewhere can ensure a smooth transition to a different environment as Washington's new front-office leader.
With that in mind, here are five boom-or-bust prospects the Commanders could draft in 2024.
Commanders could draft Xavier Legette
- Wide Receiver | South Carolina Gamecocks
This is projected to be an exceptionally deep wide receiver draft class. Considering the lack of urgency to fortify his pass-catching options, it's probably something general manager Adam Peters also agrees with.
Adding another potentially prolific pass-catcher to go alongside Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson would be useful for the Washington Commanders, especially if they intend to select a quarterback at No. 2 overall as expected. Xavier Legette boasts the physical profile to offer something different, but there are concerns.
Legette didn't put up decent numbers in college at South Carolina until his fifth season. It was an almost nonexistent contribution before that, so the Commanders must decide if this was a flash in the pan or the start of something better when examining the wideout's potential.
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.
Commanders could draft Kingsley Suamataia
- Offensive Tackle | BYU Cougars
After the quarterback position, one cannot dispute the Washington Commanders' most pressing priority. They need to find a franchise left tackle capable of keeping the blindside clear of pressure consistently.
Again, this is something the Commanders haven't addressed with any great urgency during their free-agent moves. Charles Leno Jr. was released and swing tackle Cornelius Lucas re-signed on a one-year deal. This indicates Adam Peters is looking toward the draft for potential long-term assistance.
Fortunately for Peters and the Commanders, this is an outstanding group of offensive tackles emerging from the collegiate level. Many are expected to be taken in the first round, so the new general manager must watch the developments closely and be ready to strike in pursuit of securing their desired target.
Kingsley Suamataia could be a gamble worth taking. The athletic intangibles alone suggest he can carve out a successful career for himself, but there is a huge amount of work ahead for whichever team brings him on board.
The cousin of All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell has the size, length, and fluid movements to excel in pass protection. Suamataia's footwork is good and his core functional strength allows him to impact running downs. However, the BYU prospect is fundamentally flawed and needs to take on significant coaching to play a role immediately.
Suamataia is the definition of a boom-or-bust prospect. If he puts everything together, he's got the gifts to potentially become one of the league's best edge protectors. If he lands in the wrong fit or has too much pressure on his shoulders right out of the gate, that's when complications could occur.
Commanders could draft Drake Maye
- Quarterback | North Carolina Tar Heels
Getting the right quarterback to spearhead the Washington Commanders' new era is critical this offseason. It was the most important thing above all else before free agency. Nothing has changed after those in power signed veteran Marcus Mariota and traded Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks.
This tipped the Commanders' hand to a certain extent. Adam Peters hasn't ruled anything out right now and is keeping everyone guessing. Trading down is still a possibility, although those around the league seem to think Washington will stand pat and have their pick of signal-callers once Caleb Williams comes off the board.
Thorough evaluations and visits are being undertaken ahead of the landmark choice. One prospect firmly under consideration is Drake Maye, who is seen as a project but could have the most upside of any quarterback in this class if everything clicks under professional NFL coaches.
Maye's arm strength is phenomenal. He can make effortless throws at all three levels of the field and zip the football into tight windows with ease. The North Carolina prospect offers prototypical size and eye-catching mobility to evade pressure to further intrigue.
Despite the positives, Maye needs work. There are issues with his timing and decision-making on occasion. The signal-caller needs refinement from a footwork standpoint and his regression in 2023 is another potential red flag that cannot be ignored.
Unless Maye develops quicker than anticipated, starting him immediately would be risky. But once it all comes together, he's got all the makings of a franchise-caliber presence under center.
Commanders could draft J.J. McCarthy
- Quarterback | Michigan Wolverines
Who the Washington Commanders picked at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft was seen as a two-horse race between Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye once upon a time. That is not the case anymore.
J.J. McCarthy is gaining significant momentum at the perfect stage of the evaluation process. The national college football championship winner at Michigan has seen his stock soar among NFL personnel despite being part of a run-heavy offense with the Wolverines. However, there's a growing sense that his intangibles are going to take the league by storm providing his transition goes smoothly.
McCarthy navigates the pocket well. He's got outstanding velocity on his sideline throws and seems to work well either within a structure or off-script. As a leader, the prospect is someone others follow willingly. This is a key trait general manager Adam Peters is looking for in Washington's future franchise quarterback.
While all this is no doubt positive, McCarthy brings feast or famine potential to the pros. His ball placement is sometimes suspect, especially regarding passes where extra touch is required. There's also room for growth regarding pre-snap recognition, which will be even more complex with NFL defensive schematics.
The signal-caller also looks a little rigid on his dropbacks and needs refinement to go through progressions with more efficiency. If the Commanders go down this route with McCarthy, they must be convinced his potential problems can be rectified under their accomplished coaching staff.