Commanders 4-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Embarrassment of riches edition

Commanders draft Austin Booker

• Edge Rusher | Kansas Jayhawks
• Round No. 4 | No. 102 overall

Trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young left the Washington Commanders with a gaping hole in their pass-rush. Fringe players who were given extended reps didn't maximize their opportunities. Aside from promising rookie K.J. Henry's encouraging development, it's clear more is needed.

The Commanders have the financial means to go after an instant difference-maker in free agency. They also need to find a high-upside prospect from the college ranks. Someone on the up who can thrive under the guidance of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.

It's something of a wildcard given his lack of experience, but Austin Booker's outstanding athletic traits make him more intriguing than most at this stage of the draft. The edge rusher has just one season starting at the collegiate level. That said, it's hard not to get excited about his chances of thriving in the pros when putting on the player's college tape.

Booker has the size, length, and athleticism associated with highly productive pass-rushers around the NFL. He's equally adept at rushing the quarterback or setting the edge on running-downs. There is a rawness to his technique, but that's to be expected all things considered.

Any team that drafts Booker must understand he's a work in progress initially. Considering the impressive coaching staff Quinn's put together in recent weeks, the Kansas prospect could thrive if given enough time to develop problem areas of his game.