Commanders 3-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Problem-solving edition

Commanders draft Tyler Nubin

• Safety | Minnesota Golden Gophers
• Round No. 2 | No. 36 overall

The Washington Commanders could use another difference-maker at the safety position. Adam Peters showed no real willingness to retain Kamren Curl in free agency, who subsequently signed for the Los Angeles Rams on a modest two-year deal. Jeremy Chinn has the athletic attributes that could help immediately, but his best NFL work has come closer to the line of scrimmage rather than coverage support on the backend.

It's crucial to think back on the type of safeties Dan Quinn had when he was defensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys. He has physical, yet versatile defensive backs that could play multiple roles while also having a ball hawk on the backend. While he may not have an elite athletic profile, Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin is someone worth considering early on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Nubin has had a productive career as a starter for the Golden Gophers. He was a former four-star high school recruit and played as such once he stepped onto the field. Minnesota’s secondary was one of the better units in the Big Ten thanks in no small part to the prospect's influence en route to 13 interceptions and 11 passes defended during his starting career.

As a redshirt senior, Nubin was a first-team All-Big Ten with productive and quality ball skills. He is also a great processor on the backend when it comes to identifying route concepts and offensive tendencies. Not only that, the projected Day 2 selection plays with physical intentions in the run game. That should make him a valuable target for Quinn’s defense despite the clear need for a franchise left tackle.  

In a weak safety class, Nubin is arguably the best of the bunch. He would be an immediate starter and contributor to the Commanders' - one with the ceiling to be a long-term piece in the secondary.