Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2024 NFL Draft selections with an embarrassment of riches at Adam Peters' disposal?
The Washington Commanders are about to embark on a substantial rebuild. Some holes will be filled by acquiring free agents with the league's most available salary-cap space as it stands. General manager Adam Peters also highlighted his desire to build through the draft as part of his long-term plans to turn the franchise into a perennial contender.
This is the more traditional route to sustained growth around the league. The Commanders haven't had much draft success to speak of in recent years. It's time for Peters and others in positions of power to shift this narrative.
Trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the deadline has given the Commanders a wealth of draft assets in the first three rounds. They have no fewer than six selections in the top 102. If Peters can hit on these picks, it'll help the team's cause enormously.
Much of the speculation centers on what the Commanders will do from No. 2 overall. However, what separates the contending teams from the also-rans is the ability to unearth diamonds further down the pecking order. One only has to look at this year's Super Bowl participants to see how beneficial this can be.
Peters has been around long enough to inspire confidence. A fresh set of ideas and an improved football decision-making process will make a world of difference. This also looks like a deep class in positions of need for Washington right now.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might utilize their high-end capital in a special four-round mock draft.
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Commanders draft Drake Maye
- Quarterback | North Caroina Tar Heels
- Round No. 1 | No. 2 overall
This is taking up the majority of speculation, and rightfully so. Ron Rivera's final season as Washington Commanders head coach was a catastrophe. However, it also landed them the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Of course, this is normally the stage where teams look for a franchise quarterback. Sam Howell flashed moments of pure brilliance during his first season as an NFL starter under center. There were also times when one wondered if was deserving of such a distinction moving forward.
One could argue Howell was dealt a bad hand under a lame-duck head coach and a play-caller who refused to operate a balanced offense. That said, there will be no room for sentiment during Adam Peters' evaluation of football's most important position.
Unless the Commanders plan to risk it all for Caleb Williams, it seems like a straight shootout between Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye for the No. 2 spot. Trading down for additional assets will also be discussed, but the Commanders won't have a better chance to solve their complex quarterback riddle.
Maye has the size and arm strength normally associated with productive signal-callers at the next level. His pocket mobility is also vastly underrated. There is supreme conviction in his distribution at all three levels of the field. Making tight window throws look effortless is no problem whatsoever.
There are some concerns. Maye must improve the timing of his throws. He also needs to respect defenses more effectively. Taking fewer risks is going to be essential when he comes up against elite-level athletes capable of punishing every mistake.
That said, there is a lot to work with. Thanks to the presence of Kliff Kingsbury, Anthony Lynn, and Tavita Pritchard, this is also a tremendous landing spot for any college prospect.
Commanders draft Jackson Powers-Johnson
- Center | Oregon Ducks
- Round No. 2 | No. 36 overall
If the Washington Commanders select a quarterback at No. 2 overall as expected, Adam Peters' next order of business will be fixing the offensive line. This was a unit that didn't get nearly enough attention from previous head coach Ron Rivera. Sam Howell was the league's most sacked signal-caller in 2023 as a result.
Only Sam Cosmi should be considered as a building block for the future. The Commanders must find a veteran or two capable of solidifying their protection in free agency. They should also identify some talented prospects from the college ranks who can assist immediately.
Things turned sour at the center position last season. Chase Roullier was released and subsequently retired. Nick Gates fluffed his lines. Tyler Larsen struggled. The Commanders didn't have enough faith in third-rounder Rick Stromberg to make him a permanent feature.
Pairing a first-year quarterback with a rookie center might be worth considering. If Jackson Powers-Johnson is still around at this stage, the Commanders would be wise to consider the possibility.
Power-Johnson is a fluid mover and exceptional pre-snap communicator. The Oregon prospect excels in pass protection thanks to his unique blend of fluidity and athleticism. Something he displayed to full effect during an outstanding Senior Bowl week.
That's not to say Powers-Johnson isn't an asset on running-downs, either. There are very few holes in the player's game. If some technical aspects are worked out, this is a Day 1 starter and a potential cornerstone piece for the Commanders to build around.
Commanders draft Xavier Worthy
- Wide Receiver | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 2 | No. 40 overall
Another way the Washington Commanders can assist their rookie quarterback is by upgrading the weapons around him. It was an underwhelming campaign for the offensive skill positions overall in 2023. Aside from Terry McLaurin's continued consistency, there wasn't much else to shout about.
That has to change if the Commanders want to stand any chance of keeping up with the high-octane offenses in the NFC. McLaurin and Jahan Dotson are guaranteed to play important roles under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury next season. Besides that, the wide receiver room is relatively bare if impending free agent Curtis Samuel doesn't return.
Fortunately for the Commanders, this is projected to be one of the deepest wide receiver draft classes in recent memory. There will be plenty off the board by the point. There should also be a few more than capable of providing immediate assistance alongside Dotson and McLaurin.
Xavier Worthy's skill set offers something a little different. The Texas prospect is a slick route runner. He's explosive out of his cuts and can create separation quickly. His straight-line speed and elusiveness make him a supreme threat to generate yards after the catch to further enhance his stock.
This would be a readymade replacement for Samuel if he departs. Worthy could even be an upgrade if he reaches some lofty expectations. The big question is whether he'll make it this far down the draft order.
Commanders draft Cooper Beebe
- Offensive Line | Kansas State Wildcats
- Round No. 3 | No. 67 overall
As previously stated, the Washington Commanders are in desperate need of an offensive line makeover. Relying on suspect free-agent signings and mid-level draft picks is no longer going to cut it. Especially if general manager Adam Peters takes a quarterback at No. 2 overall as many anticipate.
One couldn't rule out the prospect of keeping Charles Leno Jr. at left tackle despite his big salary-cap hit and some indifferent performances in 2023. Andrew Wylie's future at right tackle is less certain. This is a need that could be filled in free agency depending on what options become available.
If Cooper Beebe is on the board when the Commanders pick early in the third round, his talent might be difficult to ignore. The Kansas State prospect is a ferocious force on the interior. Putting him alongside Jackson Powers-Johnson and Sam Cosmi would be a significant upgrade in this scenario.
Beebe is one of the best interior pass protectors in this year's draft class. He's technically sound and a fantastic mover for a man his size. There is also a ruthless conviction to finishing off plays that instantly jumps out on film.
Once Bebbe gets his hands on opposing rushers, he's incredibly difficult to shift thanks to an exceptionally strong base. If his footwork improves, someone is going to have a player of real promise on their hands.
Commanders draft Payton Wilson
- Linebacker | NC State Wolfpack
- Round No. 3 | No. 100 overall
Dan Quinn's defensive background indicates the Washington Commanders will also use some of their draft resources on upgrading depth or finding potential starters. This bears special significance where the team's linebacking corps is concerned - another area that Ron Rivera almost completely ignored despite playing the position himself.
There's a good chance Jamin Davis could benefit greatly from Quinn's presence. More is needed, which can be found in free agency or via the college ranks. Perhaps both looking at how things stand at the defensive second level currently.
Payton Wilson recently stated he models his game on Luke Kuechly. While he's nowhere near as talented as the potential first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer, there is a lot to like about the physical attributes he brings to the table.
Wilson was nothing short of sensational for North Carolina State in 2023. He was a relentless sideline-to-sideline presence throughout the campaign. This was reflected in the player accumulating 138 tackles, six sacks, and 17.5 tackles for loss.
The former wrestler puts this background to good use on the football field. Wilson's tackling is his biggest strength by far. He's instinctive enough to recognize plays developing quickly and get to the point of attack. He also flashes considerably when tasked with coverage duties.
Once Wilson adds more bulk to his frame, it's all systems go. With a smooth transition, he's got the potential to be a Day 1 starter in Washington depending on what reinforcements arrive in free agency.
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.