Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2024 NFL Draft selections if an aggressive trade becomes possible?
Excitement is building towards the 2024 NFL Draft, and it's a monumental one for the Washington Commanders. General manager Adam Peters has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. Maximizing every resource at the franchise's disposal could go a long way to determining how long this apparent rebuild is going to take.
Confidence is high, although the pre-draft evaluation process is becoming tiresome for most fans. Debates rage around which quarterback the Commanders should take at No. 2 overall. Everybody has an opinion. However, nobody knows which way those in power are leaning thanks to the team's new professional approach under Peters.
The Commanders have six selections in the top 100 and nine in total. Couple this with the impressive roster construction already undertaken by Peters during an eventful free agency period, and it's not hard to see how a good draft could become the catalyst to better fortunes under head coach Dan Quinn in 2024.
Of course, having so many draft assets provides Peters with the freedom to be bolder than most. If the right opportunity comes along, don't be surprised if the front-office leader strikes to potentially move back into the first round in pursuit of landing a desired target.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, this is something we examined in greater detail during our latest seven-round Commanders mock draft.
Commanders draft Jayden Daniels
- Quarterback | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 1 | No. 2 overall
This is the most important decision Adam Peters might ever make as Washington Commanders' general manager. The roster looks in better shape now than when free agency began thanks to the moves made. However, the most pivotal piece of his puzzle has yet to be resolved.
The Commanders need to find a quarterback capable of spearheading the franchise into a prosperous new era. Signing veteran backup Marcus Mariota and trading Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks indicates that's where Peters is leaning. But there's been no confirmed tell about what signal-caller is the apple of their eye as yet.
Peters and others in positions of power have taken in pro days, examined countless hours of game film, and spent time with each prospect in contention over recent weeks. Dan Quinn freely admitted that discussions are ongoing, but this looks like a three-horse race with Caleb Williams destined for the Chicago Bears at No. 1 overall.
Despite J.J. McCarthy's recent momentum, the tentative choice is Jayden Daniels. The LSU prospect and Heisman Trophy winner boasts electrifying traits that cannot be taught. He's a little undersized compared to someone like Drake Maye, but that doesn't detract from the outstanding gifts he brings to the table.
Daniels is a dual threat capable of making things happen off-script with relative comfort. He's got everything one looks for in a modern-day quarterback. He also looks tailor-made for the offensive scheme being installed by Kliff Kingsbury.
That's the marquee arrival everyone is waiting for, but a daring trade-up could potentially solve another critical need…
Commanders draft Amarius Mims
- Offensive Tackle | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 1 | No. 20 overall
After the Washington Commanders secure what will hopefully be their franchise quarterback for years to come, those in power must quickly turn their attention to the left tackle position. Charles Leno Jr. was released as part of expected cost-cutting measures, but nothing has been done to rectify the blindside in free agency aside from re-signing swing tackle Cornelius Lucas.
This is something Adam Peters can resolve during the draft. It's one of the deepest offensive line classes in recent memory with exceptional performers at the top end. Much will depend on how things play out as the process unfolds, but the front-office leader should be taking a keen interest.
In this scenario, the Commanders strike a trade deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for No. 20 overall. This cost them the No. 36 pick, the No. 100 selection acquired when Chase Young went to the San Francisco 49ers, and the team's second-rounder next year. But if this gets them a cornerstone left tackle, it's a small price to pay.
There's a chance Amarius Mims goes higher than No. 20 given his imposing physical attributes. His size, length, and athleticism are absolutely off the charts, making him an elite pass protector with enough core functional strength to become an asset on running-downs for good measure.
If some technical kinks are worked out throughout Washington's preparation period, Mims has the scope to be a Day 1 starter with decade-long upside. Something that would be music to their new quarterback's ears.
Commanders draft Ladd McConkey
- Wide Receiver | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 2 | No. 40 overall
Much has been made about how deep this wide receiver draft class could become. Looking at the Washington Commanders' lack of urgency to strengthen their wideout options in free agency, all signs point to Adam Peters taking a gifted prospect relatively early in the process.
Some fans are looking for Peters to find a big-bodied receiver to complement what Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson offer. However, perhaps more important for a rookie signal-caller is having players available in the passing game who can create separation consistently.
Ladd McConkey is an option to consider in that regard. His route-running is nothing short of astonishing. The Georgia prospect is explosive out of his cuts and knows how to manipulate leverage at all three levels of the field. This is matched by elite-level ball skills and surprising top-end speed once he gets into open space.
There are very few flaws in McConkey's game, which looks easily transferable from college to the pros. He's got the potential to be an immediate impact contributor. Whether the Commanders get the chance to acquire him at No. 40 overall remains to be seen.
McConkey is projected to go somewhere early on Day 2 or late in the first round. It'll be a waiting game for the Commanders in this scenario, but the benefits of drafting such a well-rounded wideout are glaring.
Commanders draft Caelen Carson
- Cornerback | Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Round No. 3 | No. 67 overall
Looking at the Washington Commanders defensively as it stands, their cornerback options are a little thin on the ground. Hopes are high that Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes can bounce back after indifferent campaigns in 2023. But with Kendall Fuller no longer around and Michael Davis the only legitimate starting-caliber option acquired in free agency, expect Adam Peters to address this issue with someone from the collegiate level.
Caelen Carson is an intriguing option at this stage of the draft. His frame looks NFL-ready and the player's physical profile suggests he can make an immediate contribution. That's always a risky thing to project where cornerbacks are concerned, but there is far more good than bad when examining his performance levels at Wake Forest.
Carson is a fluid mover who thrives in press coverage. He's got the athletic intangibles needed to keep up with wideouts downfield and the football IQ to identify route development quickly post-snap.
The player is a dominant force against the run, displaying aggressiveness and ferocious tackling capabilities that the Commanders sorely lacked from their cornerbacks last season. Improving his fundamentals and hand discipline will be a crucial part of his early development, but Carson looks like the sort of defensive back Dan Quinn's had plenty of success with in previous years.
Commanders draft Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
- Linebacker | Clemson Tigers
- Round No. 3 | No. 78 overall
Once these four primary needs have been addressed, Adam Peters should have the luxury of selecting the best prospects available on his board. This is a far cry from the pressure Ron Rivera put on himself - especially last season - something that has the scope to improve the team's depth and perhaps find some rough diamonds along the way.
The Washington Commanders wasted no time in solidifying their linebacking corps in free agency. Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner are immediate upgrades who could thrive within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme. Special teams ace Anthony Pittman could also flourish as a backup piece if he imposes himself right out of the gate.
That said, it might be worth bringing in another option from the college ranks if the opportunity presents itself. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. looks like a high-value selection at this juncture who's gone relatively under the radar despite some outstanding tape accumulated at Clemson.
The Trotter family is no stranger to Washington. His father was an All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler throughout a glittering career - two of those years he spent in DC. Looking at his son's production, it's clear the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Drafting Trotter as a primary rotational piece to potentially start him over time is a possibility. Learning from the likes of Wagner and Luvu is only going to help his cause if the Commanders went down this route.
Commanders draft Jaheim Bell
- Tight End | Florida State Seminoles
- Round No. 5 | No. 139 overall
The Washington Commanders released veteran tight end Logan Thomas and replaced him with Zach Ertz. This was a gamble, but one that probably came thanks to a recommendation from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Ertz and Kingsbury developed a strong working relationship from their time together with the Arizona Cardinals. He's no spring chicken at 33 years old, but there is hope he can transition smoothly and provide dependability in the passing game for Washington's new quarterback to depend upon.
Much will depend on what those in power think of Armani Roger and Cole Turner, but the Commanders could also acquire a pass-catching developmental tight-end prospect from the draft. In this scenario, they could sit behind Ertz and perhaps even make an immediate contribution on a rotational basis.
Jaheim Bell has the athletic profile to become a mismatch nightmare if everything comes together. His quickness comes with untapped potential attached, although there is a significant amount of work ahead for whatever team brings him into the fold.
While Bell is a smooth route-runner, concentration when catching the football under pressure must be addressed as a matter of urgency. One could make a case for his production being underwhelming considering the traits. Unlocking his true potential will be challenging, but the upside is remarkable if the Commanders can pull it off.
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.
Commanders draft Prince Pines
- Offensive Line | Tulane Green Wave
- Round No. 7 | No. 222 overall
This stage of the draft is a proverbial guessing game. Adam Peters was part of the brain trust that brought quarterback Brock Purdy to the San Francisco 49ers as Mr. Irrelevant. While this is a one-in-a-generation hit with the final pick, it shows the general manager has an eye for talent lower down the order.
As previously mentioned, this is a deep draft class for offensive linemen. The Washington Commanders filled out one significant need earlier by trading up into the first round for Amarius Mims. Using the team's last selection to fortify their interior depth is something those in power will no doubt discuss depending on the options available.
Betting on Prince Pines' athletic attributes becoming more is a low-risk, high-reward pick. The Tulane prospect is a physical specimen who hasn't quite put everything together as yet, although his brute force on running plays caught the eye consistently in college.
Things haven't looked as good in pass protection. Pines' technique tends to get sloppy and his inability to cope with more explosive interior rushers is concerning. However, his natural strength and flexibility indicate more is to come once the player gets to work with superior coaching at the next level.
If the Commanders came away from the draft with this haul, nobody would be complaining too much. But of course, Peters' first draft will be judged on the success of his chosen quarterback at No. 2 overall.