Which way could the Washington Commanders go in the 2024 NFL Draft with Adam Peters' appointment officially confirmed?
The Washington Commanders have their chosen man to run the football operations. After significant speculation linking San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters with the role, the team pulled off a major coup by convincing the respected figure this was a project worth joining under Josh Harris' ownership group.
Next up for the Commanders is finding the right head coach. Having a proven roster builder and personnel evaluator like Peters on board is another strong selling point. This should enable Washington to land their preferred target, reportedly Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
This is just the start. There is a lot of hard work ahead for Peters and his staff in pursuit of speeding up the Commanders' upcoming rebuild. Fortunately, they have plenty of salary-cap space and are rich in draft assets to achieve this lofty objective.
It won't be much longer before pre-draft assessment events begin. Some bowl games have already taken place. The all-important Senior Bowl features underclassmen for the first time this year. Having Peters in place gives the Commanders a tremendous chance to hit the ground running.
Where once there was nothing but misery and disillusion, there is hope. What's important for Peters and the Commanders is building on this newfound positivity in the weeks and months ahead. It's a critical period that will shape the short and long-term future of the franchise.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might utilize their bevy of draft picks in our first seven-round mock since Peters' arrival.
Commanders draft Drake Maye
- Quarterback | North Carolina Tar Heels
- No. 2 overall
After a torrid end to the 2023 season, the Washington Commanders hold the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The possibilities are endless from this high up the pecking order, but all signs point to those in power looking at some of the top college quarterbacks as part of their thorough plans for growth.
The Chicago Bears hold all the cards. They are in a unique situation after securing the No. 1 pick for a second-straight year. This was down to their trade with the Carolina Panthers last year so they could take Bryce Young.
Justin Fields is entering his fourth season next time around and demonstrated encouraging growth in 2023. The Bears need to pay him soon, so they might decide to go with Caleb Williams at No. 1. Trading the Ohio State product represents a more cost-effective measure to take the organization forward.
Washington must be ready for anything. In this scenario, the Bears took Williams with the top pick. This left the Commanders free to take Drake Maye as their potential franchise quarterback of the future.
Maye might be the best signal-caller in this draft when it's all said and done. He has everything one looks for in a productive NFL quarterback. It also reunites him with former college teammate Sam Howell.
His arm strength is incredible. He goes through progressions with supreme efficiency. The prospect is incredibly mobile. Although Maye is a risk taker on occasion, there's a lot to like about his chances of thriving in the pros. Especially if the Commanders manage to make Ben Johnson - another former North Carolina quarterback - their next head coach.
Commanders draft Troy Fautanu
- Offensive Line | Washington Huskies
- No. 36 overall
If the Washington Commanders select a quarterback as expected with the No. 2 pick, then it's obvious what the next order of business must be. They have to fortify the offensive line. This is another extremely high priority for new front office supremo Adam Peters in the coming months.
The Commanders could identify some immediate contributors during free agency. Only Sam Cosmi is guaranteed his starting spot in 2024 all things considered. Therefore, Peters might find the right blend of youth and experience in this critical area of on-field production.
This is the only way someone like Drake Maye is going to thrive immediately. What's made C.J. Stroud so successful as a rookie is the schematic concepts deployed by Bobby Slowik and having an offensive line capable of providing the signal-caller with enough time in the pocket to make smart choices. Something that Sam Howell didn't have the benefit of during his one and perhaps only season as the Commanders starter.
Troy Fautanu is a fascinating prospect and well worth a look at this stage. There's a chance the offensive lineman could go much higher. There are also questions surfacing about where he's best suited at the next level after spending his college career at Washington on the edge.
Fautanu is fast, athletic, strong, and technically sound. Some slight footwork issues must be resolved, but this is a Day 1 starter on the interior to put alongside Cosmi at the guard position.
Commanders draft Jordan Morgan
- Offensive Tackle | Arizona Wildcats
- No. 40 overall
Charles Leno Jr. and Andrew Wylie were the Washington Commanders starting offensive tackle tandem in 2023. They failed to meet expectations. They were another example of previous head coach Ron Rivera's inability to properly prioritize or evaluate the protection throughout his four-year stint with the franchise.
Leno could be a salary-cap-cut candidate depending on how Adam Peters and his new head coach see things. Wylie's future also looks bleak with Eric Bieniemy - his former offensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs - likely to depart. Although his early release comes with a hefty dead-cap figure attached.
Regardless of what happens with these veteran pieces, the Commanders need a long-term solution on the edge. Someone with the athletic profile of Jordan Morgan fits the bill with an NFL-ready frame and the production to match.
Morgan's most eye-catching trait is explosiveness. He quick into his stance. He can instantly force opposing defensive linemen back on running-downs. The Arizona prospect has no trouble getting out in motion and impacting proceedings at the second level when the situation dictates.
Judging the player based on his arm length would be extremely foolish. Morgan's also recovered well from an ACL injury, so that isn't the concern it once was. One for the Commanders' shortlist, without question.
Commanders draft Ja'Lynn Polk
- Wide Receiver | Washington Huskies
- No. 67 overall
The Washington Commanders wide receivers - aside from prolific veteran Terry McLaurin - failed to meet expectations this season. This was a far cry from the bold predictions being made before the campaign surrounding the likes of Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, and Dyami Brown.
Samuel is out of contract and might not return. The do-it-all weapon should be in high demand thanks to his unique skill set. Washington must make a contingency plan for this eventuality and acquire another potentially dynamic weapon to go alongside McLaurin and Dotson.
Ja'Lynn Polk's rise to prominence this season with the Washington was immensely impressive. The wideout is an explosive downfield threat with the size to make contested catches. Something that was reflected in his 69 receptions for 1,159 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as the Huskies went on a memorable run to the college football national championship before falling short.
Polk has the top-end speed to blow past opposing cornerbacks in a hurry. Despite being on the bigger side for a receiver, this doesn't impact his ability to get out of his routes quickly to create separation. This is matched by eye-catching capabilities with the football in his hands.
Once Polk gets coached up and becomes more aware of coverages pre-snap, someone is going to have a real player on their hands. This is exactly the sort of outside presence the Commanders were lacking in 2023.
Commanders draft Jonah Elliss
- Edge Rusher | Utah Utes
- No. 100 overall
Trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat before the deadline completely evaporated any consistent pass-rush over the Washington Commanders' remaining games. The latter ended up being the leading both his old employers and the Chicago Bears in sacks - that's how bad things were without them.
Numerous fringe players such as Efe Obada, James Smith-Williams, and Casey Toohill might not come back. Adam Peters is going to address this significant need during a frantic period of free agency. Adding another high-upside individual from the college ranks should also be considered depending on their evaluations.
Jonah Elliss would be a solid value pick at this stage of the draft. The Utah prospect is a tremendous asset to call upon against the run. He can hold down the edge and even make his presence felt on the interior when the situation dictates.
Elliss will never be found wanting for effort. He finishes every play with conviction. The edge presence has enough closing speed to chase down runners with relative comfort. There is some work to do with his tackling technique, but the 12 sacks and 16 tackles for loss during his final college campaign are signs this is a player trending upward at the right time.
While Elliss is considered to be a little rough around the edges technically, he's come on leaps and bounds in recent months. This indicates high character by taking on coaching and putting it to good use.
Commanders draft Cade Stover
- Tight End | Ohio State Buckeyes
- No. 102 overall
In addition to finding a capable wide receiver or two this offseason, the Washington Commanders also need a young, athletic tight-end prospect capable of making a difference in the passing game. Logan Thomas has been serviceable, but the veteran looks like a prime cut candidate looking at the financial implications compared to his overall influence.
Curtis Hodges was on the roster all season but barely featured. Cole Turner didn't make the strides needed after showing promise during the preseason. John Bates looks like a blocking specialist who should have a role to play under Adam Peters and the new coaching regime.
While others on the Ohio State offense generate more headlines, Cade Stover's contribution shouldn't be overlooked by the Commanders' talent evaluators during their upcoming assessments. He's a dependable presence across the middle. His route running is still developing well after making the transition from linebacker. More importantly, the prospect is a big-bodied asset in the red zone with 10 touchdowns over his last two seasons.
Stover gets upfield quickly. He knows how to put his frame to good use in contested catch situations. There is some work ahead to improve the player's blocking, but the Commanders would be wise to give him serious consideration if he's still available at this stage of the draft.
Commanders draft Junior Colson
- Linebacker | Michigan Wolverines
- No. 137 overall
Bringing in upgrades at the linebacker position is a priority for the Washington Commanders in the weeks and months ahead. This was another area that didn't get the necessary investment during Ron Rivera's tenure. Unsurprisingly, the performance levels across the group reflected that more often than not.
Jamin Davis aside, the unit was lackluster. The former first-round pick is also entering the final year of his deal if the Commanders don't pick up his fifth-year option. Something that looks entirely possible when one considers Adam Peters and the new hires have no emotional attachment to their decision-making process whatsoever.
Acquiring a veteran in free agency is an absolute must. The Commanders could also do far worse than look in the direction of a national college football championship winner who recently declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Junior Colson was a tackling machine for Michigan in 2023. He led the team comfortably. He's got 196 tackles over the last two years. His instincts and ability to reach the point of contact quickly stood out almost from start to finish throughout the campaign.
There is a need to rein in Colson's aggressiveness to avoid getting exposed. His pass-rushing needs refinement and he needs to find better ways to shed blockers at the second level. That said, there are a lot of positives to build upon once he reaches the pros.
Commanders draft Elijah Jones
- Cornerback | Boston College Eagles
- No. 180 overall
The Washington Commanders caused a stir early in the 2023 NFL Draft by utilizing their first two selections on defensive backs. This did not come with an immediate change of fortunes as the secondary gave up big plays frequently.
Emmanuel Forbes' rookie campaign was a disaster. The jury is still out as to whether or not it was the right call to take him at No. 16 overall. After starting slowly, second-rounder Quan Martin came on down the stretch and looks to have a bright future ahead.
Benjamin St-Juste struggled. Kendall Fuller was easily the best cornerback, but he's out of contract and might take this opportunity to land on a team with a better chance of making a deep postseason run at this stage of his career.
If Fuller departs, this will become a bigger need for the Commanders. Especially if Forbes doesn't make the strides needed heading into Year 2 of his professional career. Either way, picking up a Day 3 development project that could assist with a smooth transition is something for Adam Peters to contemplate.
Elijah Jones has enough athletic intangibles to carve out a successful career for himself. He's not the quickest, but the young cornerback reacts well, anticipating route development and reading the quarterback's eyes effectively.
Bulking up a little will help Jones become a better tackler against more imposing figures at the next level. Nobody is expecting miracles right away, but the upside is obvious for the Boston College prospect in the right setup.
Commanders draft Keith Randolph Jr.
- Defensive Line | Illinois Fighting Illi
- No. 219 overall
Montez Sweat and Chase Young might not be the only ones to depart the Washington Commanders' once-vaunted defensive front. Jonathan Allen made no secret about his unhappiness. He's made it clear that going through another rebuild is not an option. This is leading to speculation surrounding the former first-round pick out of Alabama being traded to further boost the team's draft capital.
Speaking to Allen about his future should be one of the priorities for Adam Peters as part of his long-term strategy. Losing him would be a bitter blow, but the player looked disillusioned beyond measure as the Commanders stumbled to yet another losing campaign under recently fired head coach Ron Rivera.
Phidarian Mathis' future is also under a cloud after an underwhelming 2023 season. Reinforcements should arrive to solidify depth even if Allen sticks around. Taking a flier on Keith Randolph Jr. with their final selection of the 2024 NFL Draft is a low-risk, high-reward pickup.
Randolph isn't going to beat an opponent with explosiveness and elite traits. That's not his game. What the prospect is good at is winning individual battles with efficient movements, brute strength, and powerful tackling.
There is a ruthless intent to Randolph's on-field mentality that's hard not to love. He's a rough diamond - there's no getting away from that - but it's all about polishing prospects into valuable performers at this juncture.
If you're not quite ready to jump ahead into offseason mode, then you'll want to claim FanDuel's limited-time $150 guaranteed bonus! Just bet $5 on any NFL Divisional Round playoff game and FanDuel will automatically award you a full $150 bonus whether you win or lose! Deposit $10+ through the exclusive Riggo's Rag link below to cash in before the offer expires.