Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Decision time edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft T.J. Tampa
- Cornerback | Iowa State Cyclones
- Round No. 2 | No. 40 overall
The Washington Commanders would still have a high-end second-round selection even if they sacrificed one to move up into the first round. This came after those in power took the tough decision to trade Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears - something that gave them another useful draft asset and provided extra financial flexibility for good measure.
There are several ways the Commanders could go with this pick. Finding a wide receiver to go alongside Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson would be great for a rookie quarterback. A couple of tight ends with immediate upside are worth considering too. However, the team needs to find another cornerback relatively early in the process.
The Commanders cannot go into the campaign with Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes as their starting outside tandem. Michael Davis was signed in free agency and can help on the rotation, but the struggles endured last season cannot be ignored.
Kendall Fuller's leaving for the Miami Dolphins in free agency only increases the sense of urgency. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. can get more of those around, but it's a significant gamble to make all things considered.
Someone like T.J. Tampa is well worth considering at this stage of the draft. He's got impressive size and length for an NFL cornerback, which is matched with eye-catching athleticism and functional strength that makes him an asset against the run for good measure.
Tampa has exceptional fluidity, mirroring receivers well at all three levels of the field. He's an asset in press coverage, getting wideouts off their routes quickly. There's also a lot to like about his football intelligence, which enhances his ability to jump routes with perfection.
There is some work needed from a tackling technique perspective and in terms of hand placement in coverage. That said, the scope for growth is high and immediate working alongside two accomplished defensive back developers in the form of Quinn and Whitt.