Commanders 3-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Problem-solving edition
Commanders draft Kingsley Suamataia
- Offensive Tackle | BYU Cougars
- Round No. 2 | No. 40 overall
Offensive tackle remains a substantial need for the Washington Commanders. Speculation continues to rise about the front office being very active once the first round of the draft enters the 11-20 range. This is a team that needs a franchise left tackle and they should be thankful to be in one of the deepest in quite some time.
Much will depend on how the board plays out and how Adam Peters grades specific prospects. But keeping a close eye on developments and striking with conviction when an opportunity potentially arises would be the best course of action once Washington chooses its new quarterback at No. 2 overall.
There is also the possibility that the Commanders sit tight throughout the draft and retain their vast assets. I wouldn’t be surprised if they had Kingsley Suamataia high on their board in the Round No. 2 range, especially within Kliff Kingsbury’s offense that requires quality movement skills and functional athleticism, both of which the BYU prospect boasts in abundance.
The cousin of star Detroit Lions All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell, Suamataia is a former five-star high school recruit who transferred from Oregon to get a better opportunity at a starting job. He offers experience at left and right tackle, something I think the Commanders will appreciate despite position versatility not exactly going well on the offensive line during Ron Rivera's recruitment.
The redshift sophomore is raw, as you would expect for a younger prospect like him. However, at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, Suamataia displays exceptional power and explosiveness that will make fans giddy while also fitting into the team’s rebuild timeline under Peters and Dan Quinn.
Suamataia has the ceiling to be a quality start left or right tackle. In this case, I see him being implemented on the blindside or at the very least, competing for the starting spot right out of the gate.