Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Bold approach edition

Could the Commanders go bold?
Troy Fautanu
Troy Fautanu / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Commanders select Tahj Washington

  • Wide Receiver | USC Trojans
  • Round No. 5 | No. 152 overall

Despite the presence of Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, the Washington Commanders would be wise to dip into an exceptionally deep wide receiver pool at some stage during the 2024 NFL Draft. Why? No team can ever have too many prolific pass-catchers who can either become weekly contributors from a starting role or depth options.

Tahj Washington was a key playmaker for quarterback Caleb Williams - the perceived No. 1 pick in 2024 - and the USC Trojans. He was productive with at least 50 receptions over the last couple of seasons. He’s undersized but brings a unique skill set to the table. Something that's also familiar to offensive Kliff Kingsbury, who worked closely with the player last season before coming to the Commanders.

Washington will likely be a slot receiver but can win as a route runner and provide quality run-after-catch ability that could benefit Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense. Get the redshirt senior and former Memphis transfer going on spacing concepts and let him do damage.

Perhaps the Commanders will seek a more physically imposing wideout given the options available currently. However, the most important thing for any first-year quarterback is having wideouts capable of creating separation quickly and doing damage with the football in their hands. In that sense, Washington ticks the boxes.