The Washington Commanders finally confirmed their franchise quarterback when they took Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. But for Adam Peters and his staff, this was just the first - albeit the biggest - piece of the puzzle during a pivotal selection process for the organization.
Washington reportedly tried hard to trade back into the first round for premier left tackle to no avail. It wasn't for the want of trying, with Peters said to have started in the teens and continuing until every viable option came off their board. This piles on additional pressure to get the team's rich assets on Day 2 right to give their roster revamp another significant boost.
Peters should have a plan in place for almost anything. The general manager is a respected talent evaluator who knows the value of positional needs versus overall talent. With five picks over the second and third rounds, it puts the Commanders in a strong spot in their quest to plug holes and bolster depth over their remaining selections.
After a flurry of quarterbacks went early and offensive linemen flew off the board throughout the first round, there are plenty of decent prospects available for the Commanders. Some positions need help more than others, but nothing can be completely dismissed thanks to the flexibility typically associated with so many picks.
With this in mind, here are seven intriguing prospects the Commanders might consider on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Commanders could draft Cooper DeJean
- Defensive Back | Iowa Hawkeyes
Despite alleviating concerns about his recent injury thanks to a sensational display of athleticism at his pro day, Cooper DeJean still fell out of the first round. The defensive back should be a hot commodity on Day 2, so whether he'll still be around when the Washington Commanders go on the clock at No. 36 overall remains to be seen.
DeJean's skill set looks like something head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whtt Jr. could develop into a highly productive NFL performer. His physical stature looks capable of playing anywhere across the secondary. The Iowa prospect is unfairly tabbed as a slot specialist, but he's got the agility and speed to be an outside coverage presence with a smooth transition.
If the medical assessments are satisfactory, it's something for the Commanders to consider. At the time time, his skill set was similar to that of Quan Martin, who was taken in the second round last year by Ron Rivera.
Commanders could draft Adonai Mitchell
- Wide Receiver | Texas Longhorns
Jayden Daniels is the man tasked with finally providing the Washington Commanders with game-changing production under center. The quarterback's got enough to suggest he can reach these lofty expectations, but those in power must focus their attention on putting everything around their prized possession to hit the ground running.
The protection is a big part of that, although Daniels' mobility can mask some problems when the situation dictates. It would also be beneficial for the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU if the Commanders got themselves another prolific weapon in the passing game.
Rumors are swirling about whether Adam Peters could reunite Daniels with his former college teammate Brandon Aiyuk via trade. Perhaps a more realistic route is someone like Adonai Mitchell, who dropped out of the first 32 selections in favor of Xavier Worthy and Xaver Legette late in the first round.
Mitchell is a playmaker. He knows how to create separation and manipulate opposing defensive backs. Some concentration issues pop up on occasion, but every cause for concern seems coachable and there is now strong value to be had where the Texas prospect is concerned.
Commanders could draft Patrick Paul
- Offensive Tackle | Houston Cougars
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders were unable to trade back into the first round for an offensive tackle. This might be something they come to regret, but Adam Peters was not going to overpay for a prospect unless he was 100 percent convinced.
Peters will have contingency plans in place. But it's something he must address early on Day 2 looking at the options on Washington's depth chart right now. Asking Cornelius Lucas or Trent Scott to fill blindside responsibilities is asking for trouble, although it's a legitimate possibility after the Commanders missed out on the top-tier prospects.
This brings Patrick Paul firmly into the equation. The Houston prospect and brother of Commanders interior lineman Chris Paul is an exceptional pass protector with a unique blend of size, length, and power. There are some technical flaws to work out and his run blocking leaves a lot to be desired at times, but the athletic intangibles suggest improvements can be made under the right coaching.
Asking Paul to start right away is a stretch. That said, becoming a Week 1 starter is a possibility if he brings on problem areas of his game quickly throughout the preparation period.
Commanders could draft Ben Sinnott
- Tight End | Kansas Jayhawks
Despite signing veteran Zach Ertz after releasing Logan Thomas, the Washington Commanders could use a dependable young tight end to put alongside the former Pro Bowler. This is dependent on what the coaching staff and Adam Peters think of the options already around. If they don't think the likes of Cole Turner and Armani Rogers are good enough, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of another option coming into the fold on Day 2.
Of all the options available, Ben Sinnott arguably boasts the most long-term upside. The Kansas prospect has the physical gifts and assured route running to be a complete package with further refinement. He can catch well under pressure and is developing his prowess in the red zone. How much longer the player lasts is debatable, but the Commanders might have to take him at No. 40 overall for fear of missing out entirely.
Sinnot looks like an upgrade on Rogers or Turner. Having an experienced figure like Ertz to lean on for advice and guidance would be a significant asset throughout his early development in 2024.
Commanders could draft Roger Rosengarten
- Offensive Tackle | Washington Huskies
It wouldn't be the biggest shock in the world to see Adam Peters double-dip at the offensive tackle spot on Day 2. The right opportunities must present themselves, but the Washington Commanders have the capital to prioritize this key need before turning their attention elsewhere a little further down the pecking order.
Roger Rosengarten is someone who's gained substantial traction at the right time. He's got position versatility - operating on either edge with equal effectiveness. He's not the most fluid mover, but he's surprisingly quick into his stances and is technically sound enough to keep opposing rushers at arm's length.
If the former Washington standout can work on his counter moves and ability to recover effectively, this could be something the Commanders contemplate. They might need to take him in the second round given his recent momentum, but asking him to full starting responsibilities immediately is pushing things unless there is significant progress made throughout offseason workouts.
Commanders could draft Johnny Newton
- Defensive Line | Illinois Fighting Illi
The Washington Commanders don't have a huge need at the defensive tackle position thanks to the presence of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. However, the presence of Johnny Newton in the second round might be enough to alter their way of thinking.
How a player of Newton's caliber dropped out of the first 32 selections is anyone's guess. There were some desperate moves made and a focus on offense to the tune of 23 picks. Unfortunately for the Illinois prospect, he fell through the cracks and is there for the taking at the start of the second day.
Newton is an absolute mauler in pass-rushing situations. His quickness and heavy hands are extraordinary for a man his size. If the Commanders went down this route - albeit surprising - it would give them a 3-technique capable of terrorizing opposing quarterbacks who could eventually become Allen's long-term replacement if everything goes well.
This is a mouth-watering proposition. But the chances of Newton being available when the Commanders go on the clock at No. 36 appear slim at best.
Commanders could draft Kool-Aid McKinstry
- Cornerback | Alabama Crimson Tide
The jury is still out on Emmanuel Forbes. He went through significant complications as a rookie and became a weak link almost from start to finish. All hope is not lost under the guidance of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr., but the Washington Commanders need to find a contingency plan via the draft if the former Mississippi State star cannot develop accordingly.
Initially tabbed as a first-round lock, an unfortunate injury identified at the NFL Scouting Combine put pay to Kool-Aid McKinstry's chances of hearing his name called in the top 32. This seems a little harsh considering how explosive he was at Alabama's pro day, but the reluctance of others could work to Washington's advantage if he's still available at No. 36 overall.
There's just no telling how much better McKinstry could become under the watchful eye of Quinn. He's renowned for turning unheralded defensive backs into legitimate superstars. If the Commanders did pull the trigger to end the prospect's slide in this scenario, he'd be in the best possible situation with a big chip on his shoulder for good measure.