Analyst fans flames around Commanders' 2024 NFL Draft trade-up

A respected draft analyst fanned the flames around the Washington Commanders potentially trading up into Round No. 1 for an elite left tackle.

Adam Peters has an abundance of options available during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders are loaded with assets after several trades involving established stars. They have six selections in the top 100 and nine in total, which represents the perfect opportunity to speed up this extensive roster revamp.

Most speculation centers on the quarterback prospects at No. 2 overall. Peters and his staff are currently finalizing plans before reaching a franchise-altering conclusion. After that, the respected front office figure must react quickly and with conviction to land his desired targets.

Commanders named as team likely to trade back into Round No. 1

Matt Miller of ESPN fanned the flames regarding a potential trade back into Round No. 1 for the Commanders. They have the capital to pull off such a transaction, with the analyst highlighting Washington's extreme need to find a reliable blindside protector as something that could see them pull the trigger into the late teens.

"We all believe they will take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick, but I also think they're the team most likely to move up for a non-quarterback. The Commanders currently own pick Nos. 36 and 40 in the second round and are in the market for a left tackle after signing interior linemen Nick Allegretti and Tyler Biadasz in free agency. Per the Jimmy Johnson draft trade chart, packaging the two second-rounders would be good enough to get to pick No. 16 overall and grab a left tackle before the run on the position likely starts around pick No. 20 with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the clock. I think Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Washington's Troy Fautanu and/or Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton could be available in that range."

- Matt Miller, ESPN

Peters values draft picks highly. He wants to build through the college selection process and supplement any remaining needs through free agency. That said, if Olu Fashanu or Troy Fautanu are available and a willing trade partner can be found, he'd be wise to seriously consider the possibility.

If the Commanders came out of this draft with a franchise quarterback and an elite pass protector such as Fashanu, that would be an incredible haul. Peters also has a strong reputation for finding diamonds later down the pecking order, which could provide him with an extra sense of freedom to go up for another elite-level talent.

This adds another intriguing element to what's already a fascinating equation. Peters did a tremendous job of quickly shifting the pendulum in a positive direction once free agency began, but that will count for nothing if the Commanders don't squeeze every last drop of value from the draft.

Peters knows how to play the board. This might be his first draft as a general manager, but he was instrumental in front offices around the league before securing this well-deserved promotion. If he feels like trading up could benefit the team's short and long-term hopes, he won't hesitate.

With a new ownership regime looking to make the entire NFL sit up and take notice, every possibility should be on the table. For Peters, it's about staying calm amid the chaos and making sure the Commanders are in a better position to improve once the draft concludes.

Anything less will see more questions than answers arrive.