Adam Peters has made a huge impression during his brief time as Washington Commanders' general manager. The front-office leader sent wisely in free agency and didn't jeopardize the team's long-term financial outlook in free agency. Now, the time has come for what could end up being his defining moment in the role.
Peters is in the final stages of planning before his first draft at the helm. The Commanders are loaded with high-end selections to give their roster revamp another huge shot in the arm. Maximizing every resource available and taking advantage of board manipulation opportunities when they arise is paramount.
Washington has set itself up well. There's been a complete shift in the football operation since Peters took the reins. This centers on a collaborative, professional approach with very few - if any - leaks coming from the organization. Although positive, it's been frustrating from a media standpoint and only raised speculation further.
Of course, much of the hype surrounds what the Commanders are going to do at No. 2 overall. The short and long-term future of the franchise depends on picking the quarterback capable of spearheading their exciting new era. That will set things up perfectly for Peters to build around a rookie contract en route potentially turning Washington into a perennial Super Bowl challenger.
Getting their remaining eight selections (mostly) right is another big step in the process. No team ever hits on every draft pick, but Peters must increase the percentage after so many failed college acquisitions during Ron Rivera's four years at the helm.
This is going to be a fascinating event for everyone associated with the Commanders. There's a quiet sense of confidence among the fans thanks to the improved decision-makers present in the front office. But there are needs to fill and positions to strengthen from a depth perspective if Washington wants to stand any chance of making a go of things within a competitive NFC East.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach a defining selection process in our latest seven-round mock draft.
Commanders draft Jayden Daniels
- Quarterback | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 1 | No. 2 overall
It's a big week for the Washington Commanders, who'll host the three candidates projected to be in contention for the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. This is the last piece of valuable information those in power will receive before plans get finalized behind the scenes. Adam Peters must get this decision right above all else.
Momentum is everything at this time of year. The Commanders haven't shown their hand as yet and are unlikely to do so until the big night arrives. That said, there is growing speculation around the league that Jayden Daniels will be the guy when push comes to shove.
Several respected insiders and other analysts seem to be convinced this is the direction Washington will go down. Daniels looks like the perfect fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme and boasts the game-changing capabilities that can take the league by storm with a smooth transition.
Daniels has gifts that cannot be taught. He's exceptional at working off-script or within structure. The Heisman Trophy winner boasts a wealth of college starting experience and is an elite downfield thrower for good measure. Something he put to full effect at LSU with two outstanding wide receivers - Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.
There are some concerns when looking at Daniels' playing style. His slender build makes durability a factor unless the Commanders work on ways to ensure their new prized possession minimizes the risk in this scenario. Improving his sliding technique and getting the signal-caller to understand that every rushing attempt doesn't have to be a home run would be a good place to start.
If the Commanders can figure that out, it's hard to envisage a scenario where Daniels doesn't become a superstar. He's got every other tool imaginable and this looks like a tremendous setup to walk into providing those in power find a potential long-term left tackle to go alongside their signal-caller.
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.
Commanders draft Ben Sinnott
- Tight End | Kansas Wildcats
- Round No. 3 | No. 67 overall
The Washington Commanders signed Zach Ertz as a short-term replacement for Logan Thomas, who became a salary-cap casualty before free agency. That said, those in power would be foolish not to explore a tight-end prospect from the college ranks who could potentially emerge as a long-term option.
Adam Peters must first assess what Cole Turner and Armani Rogers bring to the table before determining how big of a need this is. If Ben Sinnott is still available at this stage of the 2024 NFL Draft, the benefits of adding him to the fold are obvious.
Sinnott is an outstanding athlete who has the scope to be a complete package with further refinement. He's a smooth route-runner with assured hands. The Kansas prospect also boasts enough speed to become a threat after the catch when opportunities present themselves.
Couple this with Sinnott's blocking prowess and body control in red-zone situations, there's a lot to like about his chances of a successful pro career. Learning from someone like Ertz in this scenario would be another major positive.
Commanders draft Jalen McMillan
- Wide Receiver | Washington Huskies
- Round No. 3 | No. 78 overall
This is widely regarded as one of the deepest wide receiver draft classes in recent memory. Adam Peters did little to address the position group in free agency, so expect to see another dynamic pass-catcher join the ranks in pursuit of providing their rookie quarterback with the weapons needed to thrive.
Jalen McMillan is going relatively under the radar compared to most, but he's got some intriguing traits that can transition extremely well to the pros. The Washington prospect boasts dependable hands, making him an asset over short-to-intermediate routes in key situations. He's a chain mover and a big gain threat rolled into one - that's a dangerous combination every team around the NFL covets.
McMillan is also a prolific yards-after-the-catch weapon. The wideout only needs a small window of separation to make things happen. This would be a significant asset for any young quarterback to lean upon, especially considering how well the prospect catches the football in traffic.
Bulking up slightly would be wise and the player also needs to put his obvious explosiveness to better use during games. That said, the Commanders could do far worse than look in his direction.
Commanders draft Christian Mahogany
- Offensive Line | Boston College Eagles
- Round No. 3 | No. 100 overall
Although the Washington Commanders fortified their offensive line interior in free agency, no team can ever have enough capable depth. This is something Ron Rivera failed to realize, valuing position versatility too highly and not giving his protection the respect it deserved. It seems like Adam Peters is looking to rectify that as a matter of urgency.
Despite the free-agent additions, it wouldn't be a shock to see the Commanders take another interior presence at some stage during the draft. Someone like Christian Mahogany ticks the boxes and then some at this stage of the draft.
Mahogany is a physically dominant presence in running plays. He's got a nasty streak that's hard not to love, but harnesses this in a controlled manner with supreme discipline and on-field awareness. The Boston College prospect also has notable athleticism, especially when it comes to being used on pulls.
While there is some refinement needed in terms of footwork and pass-blocking technique, Mahogany can be an intriguing development project with the scope to start quicker than some anticipate once he takes on coaching.
Commanders draft Javon Solomon
- Edge Rusher | Troy Trojans
- Round No. 5 | No. 139 overall
Although the Commanders added plenty of veteran pass-rushers during free agency, that shouldn't prevent Adam Peters from identifying another option with upside attached from the college ranks during the 2024 NFL Draft. Hopes are high that K.J. Henry can flourish further under better coaches after flashing as a rookie, but another insurance policy wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
This might not be the pressing need it was after the Commanders traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline, but Javon Solomon would be a hard proposition to turn down in this scenario. He's a little undersized for an NFL defensive end, but his athleticism and versatility are something Dan Quinn's had success with previously.
Solomon's explosiveness to the contact point is extraordinary. The Troy prospect boasts a wide range of pass-rushing moves and has three seasons of outstanding college production under his belt. This is matched by instinctive capabilities against the run and eye-catching growth in shedding blocks with superb hand placement.
The player can become overwhelmed at the line of scrimmage, which is a concern. However, his physical intangibles could be an asset within Quinn's expansive system.
Commanders draft Matt Goncalves
- Offensive Tackle | Pittsburgh Panthers
- Round No. 5 | No. 152 overall
I'll start this by saying there is almost no chance of Matt Goncalves being around at this stage of the 2024 NFL Draft. The offensive tackle looks to have successfully alleviated injury concerns during medical testing. A few notable insiders are also projecting him to be taken sooner than most projections - perhaps as soon as the third round when push comes to shove.
That said, if Goncalves is available here, it's a no-brainer. He's an accomplished edge protector with potential starting credentials attached over time. Considering the inconsistent performances Andrew Wylie put together during his first season with the Washington Commanders, picking up someone like this could raise urgency and provide more encouraging signs long-term along the way.
Goncalves is a strong pass protector despite needing some improvement technically. He's got a thick base that allows him to be impactful on running plays and against power rushes. The Pittsburgh prospect's hand placement plays a significant role in his success, which often compensates for his lack of agility.
Whether that'll continue in the pros is highly debatable. But the Commanders have enough veteran pieces on their offensive tackle depth chart to provide Goncalves extra freedom to develop at his own pace.
Commanders draft George Holani
- Running Back | Boise State Broncos
- Round No. 7 | No. 222 overall
The Commanders appear to be set at the running back spot heading into the new campaign after signing Austin Ekeler in free agency. But this stage of the draft is all about taking fliers on rough diamonds and hoping they evolve into something more. This means acquiring another backfield threat cannot be completely dismissed further down the pecking order.
George Holani's draft stock will probably drop due to his injury history. However, there's some intrigue thanks to the prospect's ability to make people miss in open space and as a receiver out of the backfield.
Holani isn't the most physically imposing running back, but he's got adequate speed to exploit gaps. His on-field vision is impressive and contact balance is another big positive working in the player's favor.
If the Boise State prospect checks out medically, the Commanders could stash him on the roster as competition for the third or fourth running back spot. Holani might also excel as a kick returner thanks to the new NFL rules being implemented in 2024.