7 intriguing prospects who could follow Kliff Kingsbury to the Commanders
By Dean Jones
Commanders could draft Jarrett Kingston (OL)
After the Washington Commanders take a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, attention then turns to strengthening the offensive tackle spots. This critical area went relatively overlooked throughout free agency despite releasing Charles Leno Jr. Expect general manager Adam Peters to capitalize on a rich class for edge protectors emerging from the college ranks.
Although he's not classed among the top-tier prospects, Jarrett Kingston is another possibility who could follow Kliff Kingsbury to the Commanders. The former three-star high school recruit might be a little undersized compared to most NFL tackles, but he's a decent athlete who's shown flashes of capable production both on passing downs and carving out running lanes.
Some technical flaws need to be resolved, which isn't uncommon for someone so inexperienced. Kingston can become overwhelmed by more physically dominant edge rushers, so whatever team drafts the prospect might switch him inside permanently to minimize the potential risks attached.
Kingston's versatility and scope for additional improvement make him a potential late-round option the Commanders can develop into a potential contributor down the road. But make no mistake, they'll be taking a franchise-caliber blindside force much sooner.
Commanders could draft Tahj Washington (WR)
The Commanders didn't address their wide receiver position with much urgency throughout free agency. This was surprising when one considers they let Curtis Samuel walk in favor of the Buffalo Bills. It's also an indicator of what general manager Adam Peters thinks of this draft class.
Tahj Washington is someone who could be an option if Kliff Kingsbury gives it his seal of approval. He's riding on the crest of a wave after the finest campaign of his professional career with USC in 2023, gaining 59 receptions for 1,062 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This came thanks to major improvements in creating separation and making things happen with the football in his hands.
Washington is a cerebral route runner. He knows how to identify soft spots in coverage and knows how to manipulate opposing cornerbacks to his advantage. The wideout also tracks the football well downfield and is proven to gain substantial yards after the catch once he makes the first defender miss.
Although Washington doesn't have elite speed and can get overwhelmed in press coverage situations, Kliff Kingsbury would have a plan for the receiver if he made it to DC. Considering the overall strength of this class, someone might be getting a steal.