Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2024 NFL Draft selections as general manager Adam Peters continues to lay the foundations?
It's been a masterclass of roster construction from Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters right now. He had a plan in place that's being implemented with exceptional efficiency so far. This puts the franchise in a strong position heading into the all-important 2024 NFL Draft.
The Commanders are loaded with high-end selections. They have six picks in the first three rounds to find immediate starters and improve depth in positions of need. Much of the focus surrounds which quarterback will be the guy at No. 2 overall, which only adds to the level of fascination surrounding one of the most important drafts in franchise history.
Peters knows what he's doing. This might be his first draft as general manager, but the respected figure has been an integral part of successful front offices throughout his glittering career. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to the draft, this experience should stand the new man at the helm in great stead as he continues to stamp his mark on the organization.
We have just a few short weeks remaining until the selection process arrives. Speculation is rampant and the guessing games continue with very few leaks emerging from Peters' football operation. While everyone has their preferred direction, nobody knows for sure what the Commanders have up their sleeve.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach their top-end choices as Peters continues to lay the foundation for a successful future in our three-round mock draft.
Commanders draft Jayden Daniels
- Quarterback | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 1 | No. 2 overall
This is the most important choice Adam Peters might ever make as Washington Commanders' general manager. Which quarterback goes No. 2 overall will shape the 2024 NFL Draft and come with franchise-altering ramifications attached. Simply put, those in power must get it right after so much failure at football's most pivotal position.
With pro days for the candidates in contention to be taken No. 2 firmly in the rearview mirror, it's time for 30 visits and further film evaluation before discussions heat up. The Commanders have done a nice job of putting everything in place to ensure their new rookie signal-caller hits the ground running. Choosing correctly is the next critical step in Peters' ambitious plans.
Jayden Daniels remains a hot name and the favorite among sportsbooks. The LSU signal-caller does have questions about his durability, but his game-changing potential and ability to work off-script could be exactly what the Commanders are looking for to spearhead their new era.
Daniels boasts the processing speed to go through his reads quickly. He's got enough arm strength to find all three levels of the field with ease. His deep ball is a thing of beauty and there's also a lot to like about his pocket navigation under pressure.
The Heisman Trophy winner is a nightmare to scheme against. Learning how to slide effectively once he takes off would be advisable to prevent unnecessary hits from coming his way. But there are very few flaws aside from that.
Commanders draft Jordan Morgan
- Offensive Tackle | Arizona Wildcats
- Round No. 2 | No. 36 overall
Once the Washington Commanders choose their new franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall, attention quickly turns to the protection. Specifically, finding a cornerstone left tackle to provide blindside assistance for the next decade or more.
Charles Leno Jr. was released as part of cost-cutting measures before hip surgery. The Commanders did little to fortify the offensive tackle position aside from re-signing swing presence Cornelius Lucas to a one-year deal. This is the biggest sign yet that Adam Peters is looking toward an outstanding crop of edge protectors emerging from the college ranks for long-term assistance.
Much will depend on how the board plays out in front of them. One couldn't dismiss the possibility of Washington trading back into the first round to enhance their chances of securing a preferred target. If they opt to wait until early on Day 2, there should be a few decent options to consider.
Jordan Morgan is projected to be taken late on Day 1 or soon after at the start of Round No. 2. He's a fluid mover with the right blend of size and length, making him a supreme force in pass protection that came across consistently in college.
The Arizona prospect is a high-energy athlete with outstanding explosiveness to the contact point. Morgan has the functional strength to avoid losing leverage and is flexible enough to counteract pass-rushing moves with relative comfort.
There are some concerns about arm length, but that shouldn't factor too much into his evaluations when one considers the exceptional physical gifts at the player's disposal.
Commanders draft T.J. Tampa
- Cornerback | Iowa State Cyclones
- Round No. 2 | No. 40 overall
The Washington Commanders could use another productive cornerback capable of helping on the defensive rotation immediately. Kendall Fuller departed for the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Michael Davis might help, but acquiring another dynamic young figure to become a long-term, dependable presence should be addressed during the 2024 NFL Draft.
This bears more significance when one considers Benjamin St-Juste is entering a contract year and the jury is still out on last year's first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes. Adding a wide receiver here is another possibility, but the wideout class is much deeper with value further down the pecking order.
T.J. Tampa boasts the size and scope normally associated with highly productive cornerbacks at the next level. He's a fast mover with eye-catching explosiveness and a quick-twitch turning ability to mirror wide receivers at all three levels of the field. This is matched by solid technique in coverage and enough strength to get wideouts off their routes quickly in press situations.
Tampa has the sort of high football IQ that can be a major asset within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive scheme. If the Iowa State prospect can work on improving his tackling technique, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.
Quinn and Whitt are renowned talent developers within the secondary. If someone like Tampa comes into the organization, it would be a shock if he wasn't ready to make his presence felt from Week 1.
Commanders draft Ricky Pearsall
- Wide Receiver | Florida Gators
- Round No. 3 | No. 67 overall
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders need to take advantage of an exceptionally deep group of wide receivers set to take their chances at the professional level. Adam Peters also recognizes this fact, resisting the temptation to target one of the marquee free agents in pursuit of finding long-term, cheap difference-makers via the 2024 NFL Draft.
There's a chance Washington addresses this need sooner, but the level of depth indicates a Day 1 contributor can be found over the opening three rounds. Something the Commanders find in this scenario with one of the slickest route-runners in the draft.
Ricky Pearsall's done his stock a tremendous amount of good throughout the evaluation process. His testing at the NFL Scouting Combine was strong and reflects his outstanding tape accumulated from a prolific college career in Florida. He's going relatively under the radar compared to most, but the benefits of acquiring him are evident.
One thing Pearsall knows how to do is get open. He's a savvy route-runner who manipulates opposing cornerbacks superbly. His hands are assured and there is enough elusiveness for the player to become a threat after the catch for good measure.
If the Commanders are intent on drafting a rookie quarterback as most anticipate, finding players capable of creating separation almost at will is the best way to smooth their pivotal transition. Pearsall ticks the boxes in that regard.
Commanders draft Ja'Tavion Sanders
- Tight End | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 3 | No. 78 overall
Even though the Washington Commanders signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz in free agency, that shouldn't detract Adam Peters from acquiring another option via the 2024 NFL Draft. This is almost entirely dependent on how the organization views Armani Rogers and Cole Turner - two promising players who remain unknown quantities.
The Commanders have enough selections to adopt the best player available mindset once some pressing needs have been addressed. If Ja'Tavion Sanders is still available at this stage of the draft, those in power would be wise to consider the possibility.
Sanders has some work to do as a blocker, but the impact he makes in the passing game represents an upgrade on anything the Commanders have currently, including Ertz. His explosiveness, wide catch radius, and ability to create separation make him a potential best friend of any new quarterback. This could blossom into a long-standing relationship that can benefit Washington greatly.
Not only is Sanders capable of making a difference all over the field, but his size and athleticism make him a significant red-zone threat. The Texas prospect controls his body well and has the strength needed to make tough catches under pressure. One also cannot do anything but marvel and his contested catch prowess.
Learning behind someone like Ertz before assuming the No. 1 position in 2025 would be a great spot for Sanders. However, he's also got enough about him to suggest a featured role right out of the gate.
Commanders draft Brandon Dorlus
- Defensive Line/Edge Rusher | Oregon Ducks
- Round No. 3 | No. 100 overall
It's been an impressive start to defensive recruitment for the Washington Commanders this offseason. But more is needed along the front looking at how things stand currently.
Trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat was a necessary evil to bolster draft assets and ensure financial flexibility. Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell should help, but the Commanders shouldn't ignore the opportunity to bring in another option if the situation presents itself at some stage during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Brandon Dorlus comes into the NFL with more intrigue than most at this stage of the selection process. The Oregon prospect's athleticism is absolutely off the charts for a man his size, with his brute strength making him an asset as a three-technique on the interior or coming off the edge.
Dorlus is a compact prospect with eye-popping explosiveness to the contact point. His pass-rushing arsenal has improved throughout a profitable college career, with his speed-to-power move and ability to set the edge on running plays also coming in for significant praise.
Once Dorlus adds more discipline and makes better use of the superb closing speed at his disposal, he should be able to carve out a successful pro career. In this scenario, the Commanders have enough veteran pieces to allow the rookie time to develop at his own pace as part of the defensive line rotation.