Commanders 5-round 2024 NFL mock draft after 2-3 start in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Sedrick Van Pran
- Offensive Line | Georgia Bulldogs
Did I mention the Washington Commanders are finding life difficult on the offensive line?
If Sam Howell is genuinely the guy to take this franchise forward at football's most important position, building around the quarterback is the only option. The skill position players look set depending on what happens with Logan Thoams and Curtis Samuel, but the protection leaves a lot to be desired through five games.
The interior is an interesting one. Sam Cosmi looks the part at right guard and Nick Gates has also flashed promise, but Saahdiq Charles is out of contract and facing an uncertain future after regressing in recent weeks.
Washington drafted Ricky Stromberg in the third round last year in the hope he could evolve into their long-term center. However, he's been seldom seen as yet, so there's just no telling for sure if the Commanders can truly depend on the lineman to be a consistent starter.
If the Commanders' regime - whatever and whoever that might be - decides more is needed, then taking a long look at Sedrick Van Pran would be a smart route to go. The Georgia product is an exceptional blocker and communicator at the line of scrimmage, boasting the dominant traits that have played a leading role in the Bulldogs securing back-to-back national titles heading into the 2023 campaign.
Adding Van Pran would allow Gates to switch to left guard, leaving Cosmi on the interior's right-hand side. That looks a lot more stable than what the Commanders are currently churning out.