7 potential NFL Draft heists the Commanders can make in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders could draft Frank Crum
- Offensive Tackle | Wyoming Cowboys
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders need to bolster their offensive tackle options during the 2024 NFL Draft as a matter of urgency. Anything less could jeopardize their new rookie signal-caller's chances of hitting the ground running next season.
Expect the Commanders to solve this riddle relatively early in the process. Given Andrew Wylie's indifferent production following his free-agent switch from the Kansas City Chiefs, finding more than one edge protector wouldn't be the worst idea imaginable from Adam Peters' perspective.
Frank Crum represents an enticing development piece that could potentially compete for starting reps quickly. At 6-foot-8 and 313 pounds, the Wyoming prospect has the athletic tools needed to become impactful. There's also a lot to like about the leverage he attains quickly in obvious pass-blocking situations.
Crum has a mean streak that can make a big difference in carving up holes against the run. He's not the finished product by any stretch, but the potential is obvious if some technical flaws can be worked out during his pivotal early transition.
If Crum is available on Day 3 - which is a likely scenario looking at most projections - don't be surprised if the Commanders identify him as a prospect of interest.
Commanders could draft Austin Booker
- Edge Rusher | Kansas Jayhawks
The Washington Commanders did a good job of finding productive veteran pass-rushers in free agency. This was a necessity after trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young, but Adam Peters managed to fill the void by acquiring Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell to go alongside promising second-year-pro K.J. Henry.
This shouldn't stop Washington from identifying another edge presence via the draft. No team can ever have enough players capable of generating pressure consistently. Austin Booker looks like a feast-or-famine prospect, but the ceiling is extremely high if he becomes more refined under professional coaches.
Booker has it all athletically. He's explosive and possesses quick-twitch traits that can be a nightmare to block. There is enough agility to bend around the edge, which is matched by outstanding short-area speed that gets to the contact point in no time.
The Kansas standout is incredibly raw with one full season of college starting experience. There was a lot to like about Booker's credentials en route to eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss, but there is a huge amount of work ahead before the player is ready to make a similar impact at the next level.
It's not hard to see why teams are enamored with Booker. If the Commanders can acquire him in the third round and Dan Quinn works his magic, this has all the makings of an absolute steal.