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

Commanders select Jalen Crumedy

• Defensive Line | Mississippi State Bulldogs
• Round No. 7 | No. 222 overall

The sixth and seventh rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft may not provide as much value as in years past. The projected Day 3 value has somewhat been affected by the ever-changing landscape of college football due to the rise of N.I.L. and the transfer portal. This is something teams are taking into account as part of their ever-changing strategy.

If you were curious about why there were lots of trades during free agency, it’s likely due to how they view the depth of the backend of the draft class. Giving up late-round picks for veterans is seen as a worthwhile gamble to most teams, especially those with chances to contend.

I expect the Washington Commanders' seventh-round selection to be more of a depth player or even a potential camp body. Jalen Crumedy makes the most sense from a positional need and value perspective.

The former Mississippi State Bulldog is a solid athlete who plays with a good get-off. One thing that will stand out with Crumedy is his non-stop motor and high-level effort as a player, especially in run game pursuit and as a pass rusher.

That’s worth a late-round selection, especially considering the Commanders still have questions surrounding Phidarian Mathis and John Ridgeway. Giving Crumedy a chance to develop on either the 53-man roster or the practice squad wouldn't be the worst idea.