Commanders 5-round 2024 NFL mock draft after 2-3 start in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Jaheim Bell
- Tight End | Florida State Seminoles
Logan Thomas has done well overall this season. The tight end seems to be developing chemistry with Sam Howell and aside from a concussion suffered in Week 2, has stayed relatively free of injury to further raise optimism.
The converted quarterback will be heading into the final year of his deal in 2024 and might be a salary-cap casualty candidate if a new regime comes into the fold. If that proves to be the case, the Washington Commanders need to find themselves a younger, more explosive option cross the middle for Howell to depend upon.
Cole Turner has upside, but much like the situation with Ricky Stromberg, there's no way to know how he'll cope with additional responsibilities in a starting capacity. It's always nice to have multiple difference-makers at the position, which is where Jaheim Bell comes into the equation.
Asking Bell to be the complete package immediately is a stretch given the player's suspect blocking. But if Eric Bieniemy is still around by this point, the Florida State product looks like a tremendous scheme fit thanks to his outstanding athleticism and short-area quickness.
Bell gets out of his route cuts with supreme efficiency. His ball skills are first class and he's also a threat to gain significant yards after the catch when opportunities arise.
Adding Bell and keeping Thomas gives Washington two development pieces to take over the mantle when his contract inspires. In Bell's case, he could also help in the passing game and perhaps even on special teams en route to becoming the No. 1 option.