Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Aggressive trade edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Cedric Johnson
- Edge Rusher | Ole Miss Rebels
- Round No. 5 | No. 152 overall
Considering it was an area of grave concern before free agency, the Washington Commanders' pass-rushing options look much improved. This was an absolute necessity after their edge threat evaporated once Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded before the 2023 deadline.
Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. both reunited with Dan Quinn after working with the coach in Dallas. Clelin Ferrell is someone well-known to Adam Peters from their stint together in San Francisco. If the general manager didn't think he had something to offer, there were enough alternatives to go in a different direction.
There's also a lot to like about K.J. Henry's growth entering his second season. That said, the Commanders have enough capital to examine another option for depth purposes later in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Cedric Johnson might not be the best edge rusher in this class, but his traits are easily transferable. His athleticism and ability to convert speed to power quickly caught the eye over his four years at Ole Miss. The prospect also boasts a spin move that is almost impossible to stop when deployed correctly.
The Commanders should expect miracles from Johnson immediately. But with a little extra technical development and adding to his pass-rushing repertoire, he could feature as his rookie campaign goes on.