Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Defining moment edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Tyler Guyton
- Offensive Tackle | Oklahoma Sooners
- Round No. 2 | No. 36 overall
Once the Washington Commanders select their quarterback at No. 2 overall, attention immediately turns to the left tackle position. Charles Leno Jr.'s release and no notable additions in free agency almost dictate Adam Peters must be aggressive in his quest for blindside assistance.
Trading back into the first round cannot be ruled out depending on how things shake out. If the Commanders stand pat and Tyler Guyton is still available at No. 36 overall, it might not take long to hand in their card.
Guyton is a physical specimen with the size and length normally associated with high-level left tackles around the league. The Oklahoma prospect excels as a pass protector, getting into his stance quickly and showing the mobility needed to keep opposing pass-rushers in front of him. He's also a significant asset on running downs, finishing off plays with supreme conviction.
While he's a little raw technically with little starting experience in college, the athletic intangibles are absolutely off the charts. If Guyton's development is managed effectively throughout the offseason, don't be surprised if the Commanders make him their Day 1 left tackle in this scenario.
Commanders draft Max Melton
- Cornerback | Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Round No. 2 | No. 40 overall
Another area where the Commanders might look to strengthen early in the 2024 NFL Draft centers on the cornerback position. Letting Kendall Fuller leave for the Miami Dolphins in free agency was disappointing to some fans. Michael Davis is an obvious downgrade if this is his replacement. Others acquired look like rotational pieces and special teams' assets more than anything else.
Max Melton could be a chance worth taking here. The Rutgers prospect has reportedly risen rapidly up draft boards thanks in no small part to his exceptional testing at the NFL Scouting Combine. More importantly, this explosive style comes across consistently on film.
Melton looks like the sort of cornerback Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. have enjoyed success with previously. His elite athleticism and aggressive approach make him an intriguing option. Despite being 5-foot-11, the player has no trouble mixing it up in press coverage and making things extremely difficult in contested catch situations.
Some technical flaws must be eradicated from Melton's game during his early transition. Fortunately, the Commanders have two outstanding defensive back developers in Quinn and Whitt. Therefore, improvements should arrive rapidly en route to carving out an immediate role for himself.