Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2024 NFL Draft selections after the team's 2-3 start to the 2023 campaign?
Things started so well for the Washington Commanders in 2023. New ownership revitalized the organization, Ron Rivera secured two wins right out of the gate, and everything was looking up after decades of underachievement.
Now, things are hanging in the balance once again.
The Commanders are on a three-game losing skid and were embarrassed with the entire NFL world watching intently on Thursday Night Football versus the Chicago Bears. Some extreme soul-searching and bold adjustments are needed to prevent things from spiraling out of control, which could lead Josh Harris and his team of investors into landmark changes in pursuit of getting this storied franchise back to the NFL's top table.
Rivera and his coaching staff would be the first in the firing line. Some sections of the fanbase are calling for a complete reset already, although things would have to tail off pretty drastically for this current power structure to get canned in season.
A lot is going to change before the time comes to fully focus on the 2024 NFL Draft. The Commanders' fortunes could improve or falter and there might be new men in positions of power depending on how things transpire over the next 12 contests.
As it stands right now, the Commanders are picking No. 11 overall. Using the NFL mock draft simulator, we took a look at which way Washington could go with their first five picks based on the evident needs emerging through the opening stages of the campaign.
Commanders draft Olumuyiwa Fashanu
- Offensive Tackle | Penn State Nittany Lions
Despite the Washington Commanders going through some struggles in terms of results right now, there is one undoubted positive to emerge from the first five games. Sam Howell looks like a franchise quarterback and given the player's current trajectory, there's nothing to suggest further improvements won't arrive as the campaign progresses.
Obviously, a new coaching regime might have a different view. But for now, Howell is the guy and the Commanders should build around the former fifth-round pick while his contract is still extremely cheap for an NFL starter.
That all starts in the trenches. Fortifying the offensive line has been a difficult task for the current decision-makers, which is once again leading to complications and Howell taking far more hits than would normally be welcome.
The time has come for Washington to find a legitimate franchise left tackle. Olumuyiwa Fashanu fits the bill in no uncertain terms and if the Penn State stud is still around at this juncture, it would be an extremely difficult proposition to pass up.
Fashanu has everything one looks for in a premium blindside protector. His athleticism and mobility are nothing short of extraordinary for a man his size, which is matched by functional core strength and solid technique to keep opposing pass-rushers at arm's length with relative comfort.
What this would mean for Charles Leno Jr. or Andrew Wylie's future remains to be seen. But one could make a strong case for Fashanu being an immediate upgrade at either tackle position.
Commanders draft Tommy Eichenberg
- Linebacker | Ohio State Buckeyes
It hasn't been the most profitable opening to the campaign defensively. The Washington Commanders' vaunted unit was tipped for great things heading into the 2023 season, but it's been anything but up to now and unless things change, it'll continue to hold the team back despite some encouraging progress on the offensive side of things.
The linebacking corps remains a weak link, which many expected before the regular season began. Jamin Davis is decent but no more than that. with Cody Barton struggling to find any sort of momentum throughout a lackluster stint with the Commanders to date after his arrival in free agency from the Seattle Seahawks.
Finding an interior presence that can identify gaps and react quickly is of paramount importance. The Commanders shouldn't have let Cole Holcomb go in hindsight, but it's a position group they cannot ignore any longer.
Finding a long-term solution via the 2024 NFL Draft should be a big priority depending on what the Commanders end up doing when the free-agent frenzy begins. Tommy Eichenberg plays with the sort of urgency and athleticism that's been sorely lacking at Washington's defensive second-level, which is enhanced by eye-popping physicality to stop runners dead in their tracks.
There is some work to do from a coverage standpoint, but Eichenberg has all the makings of a Day 1 starter at the next level. Something the Commanders desperately need whether there's a change in coaches or not.
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.
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.
Commanders draft Audric Estime
- Running Back | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Brian Robinson Jr. looks like a long-term running back for the Washington Commanders. Getting in early holes isn't helping his statistics, but the former third-round pick out of Alabama makes the most of every carry and has been one of the undoubted bright sparks through five weeks of the 2023 campaign.
What's happening behind Robinson is more concerning. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a bystander currently - which isn't unexpected for a sixth-round development project - but Antonio Gibson isn't doing enough to earn another deal based on the player's sample size so far.
Gibson still has ball security issues and is falling way behind Robinson in terms of usage. Much will depend on his contract demands, but the Commanders might take this opportunity to go younger behind their No. 1 and find another productive reinforcement from the college ranks.
Audric Estime fits the bill in no uncertain terms. The powerful presence is providing that his 2022 breakout at Notre Dame was no fluke, boasting the speed, power, and vision needed to provide balance as a legitimate three-down threat.
Estime's made great strides in terms of blocking awareness and pass-catching this season, which indicates he's a willing learner in pursuit of fulfilling his NFL dream. While he wouldn't be classed as having elite-level speed, there is more than enough to suggest he can find a role for himself at the next level.