Commanders 3-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Smoke and mirrors edition

Commanders select Cam Hart

• Cornerback | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
• Round No. 3 | No. 100 overall

Dan Quinn will also be looking for a cornerback with great size and length during the 2024 NFL Draft. Ideally, it will be a similar type the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys have pursued over the years when he was defensive coordinator.

There might not be a ton of quality Day 2 cornerback prospects in this year’s draft due to a top-heavy class. But there are certainly some potential gems if Adam Peters can find the right one.

In a division that features A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, DeVonta Smith, Brandin Cooks, and possibly someone like Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, the Washington Commanders need a cornerback they can lean on to shut down any No. 1 receiver. While it’s unrealistic to expect a third-round pick to reach that sort of level right out of the gate, there’s one that could reach this ceiling in the right environment.

Cam Hart is an ascending, physical cornerback gaining significant momentum. He’s a long, physical corner at 6-foot-3, 202 pounds, and displayed this during the Senior Bowl a couple of months ago. 

Hart offers quality football intelligence, competitiveness at the catch point, and the long speed to match with receivers in off-man coverage or Cover 3 zone. He is also a willing run defender and will make plays around the line of scrimmage due to his sufficient closing burst to the ball. This would also give something their cornerback room currently lacks, so it's something to consider if the Notre Dame prospect is available here.