Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2024 NFL Draft selections as excitement builds for an offseason of immense importance?
The Washington Commanders enjoyed a stroke of good fortune in Week 17. They lost as expected against the San Francisco 49ers on home soil. However, the Arizona Cardinals securing an upset triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles surged them up to No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
That changes everything.
Big changes are on the immediate horizon. Ron Rivera has one game to navigate before being shown the door. Multiple reports from respected insiders suggest general manager Martin Mayhew is also on his way out. Washington has quickly become an attractive destination for any prospective targets thanks to Dan Snyder finally relinquishing power to Josh Harris' ownership group.
The Commanders could boast more than $90 million to spend in free agency once the new regime makes sacrifices. Those in power also have plenty of high-end draft capital to utilize after trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat before the deadline.
It's an exciting project to be a part of with ambitious owners looking to get the Commanders back into contention. Almost everything is on the table currently. Hiring the correct people and making smart football decisions in terms of playing personnel has the scope to speed up this extensive rebuilding process.
Using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach their upcoming draft selections in our latest seven-round mock. This all starts at football's most pivotal position.
Commanders draft Caleb Williams
- Quarterback | USC Trojans
- No. 2 overall
Any new regime is going to have different ideas on how best to take the franchise forward. If the Washington Commanders cement the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, their plans are likely to center on finding a franchise quarterback from the college ranks.
Sam Howell's recent regression and benching don't bode well for his chances of being QB1 in 2024. It's not been the best environment to flourish and he's had a lot on his plate within Eric Bieniemy's pass-heavy offense. When it's all said and done, those deciding his future will do so with no emotional attachment whatsoever.
In this scenario, the Commanders make Caleb Williams' dreams come true. The quarterback is a lifelong Washington fan. He hails from the D.C. area. He also has franchise-altering capabilities that could make the Commanders a force to be reckoned with.
This is dependent on what the Chicago Bears are going to do from atop the draft. They have the selection due to their trade down from No. 1 overall last year with the Carolina Panthers. But there are growing calls from the fanbase to build around Justin Fields after his notable strides forward in Year 3.
Williams has traits that cannot be taught. But the Commanders need to keep their head on a swivel in case someone jumps them in the pecking order to land the USC prospect. Chicago could also take him. They might also decide to bring Marvin Harrison Jr. or an offensive tackle into the fold in pursuit of giving Fields everything he needs to thrive.
Whether it's Williams or someone else, the Commanders are going to get a new quarterback this offseason. Where this leaves Howell's future is another matter.
Commanders draft Tyler Guyton
- Offensive Tackle | Oklahoma Sooners
- No. 36 overall
Now that the Washington Commanders have a franchise quarterback to build around in Caleb Williams, the next objective is clear. The new brain trust must solidify the protection. Something head coach Ron Rivera failed to prioritize throughout his indifferent four-year stint at the helm.
The Commanders' offensive line has been horrible at best in 2023. Only right guard Sam Cosmi seems to be emerging with any credit. Therefore, a complete revamp is almost assured in pursuit of keeping the pocket clean for someone with Williams' exceptional skill set.
Expect the Commanders to go after a big name or two in free agency depending on who becomes available. It might also be worth using some of their high-end draft capital on long-term options capable of making immediate contributions.
Tyler Guyton is a name worth monitoring in the second round. The Oklahoma offensive tackle is incredibly athletic. His explosiveness off the block and ability to keep oncoming rushers at bay through sound footwork and impressive technique caught the eye almost constantly throughout his final campaign with the Sooners.
Guyton's pass protection has come on significantly in recent months. He's a hard worker. He's got that ruthless streak and never-say-die attitude. If the same trend continues, a profitable NFL career could be in the offing.
Commanders draft Ja'Tavion Sanders
- Tight End | Texas Longhorns
- No. 41 overall
Finding more consistency in the passing game is also a primary objective for the Washington Commanders this offseason. Hopes were high for the skill positions following the introduction of Eric Bieniemy as the team's play-caller. Unfortunately, very few have come close to meeting expectations.
Terry McLaurin continues to be consistent amid the chaos. Curtis Samuel's shown enough to suggest another decent contract extension could arrive in Washington or elsewhere. As for the rest? It's been underwhelming. To say the least.
Logan Thomas looks like a prime salary-cap-cut candidate. The veteran is eager to savor the moment during what could be his final game in a Washington uniform this weekend. After that, one would expect a parting of the ways as the Commanders' new regime looks for a more explosive pass-catcher at the tight-end position.
If this is the chosen path, Ja'Tavion Sanders should be high on the shortlist. While the gifted weapon was underutilized in Texas' college football playoff loss against Washington, it doesn't detract from what a supreme playmaker he could become at the next level.
Sanders is a polished route-runner with the burst to match. He creates separation using sharp cuts and impressive body positioning. The prospect also makes contested catches look easy - something the Commanders have desperately lacked in recent years.
While he offers little as a blocker, the Commanders have John Bates to fill those duties.
Commanders draft Sedrick Van Pran
- Center | Georgia Bulldogs
- No. 67 overall
The Washington Commanders need a long-term answer at the center position. With a new franchise quarterback coming into the organization, finding someone else from the college ranks allows the pair to form a close bond en route to a potentially profitable future.
Signing Nick Gates in free agency was a complete dud considering the expectations. Tyler Larsen had fleeting moments of consistency, but nothing more. If the Commanders want to legitimately become a dominant force moving forward, they need more at one of the most influential positions on offense.
Sedrick Van Pran is one of the premier centers emerging from the collegiate level this year. He's been a key cog in Georgia's incredible success in recent seasons. His dominant performance during their Bowl rout over Florida State only enhanced his stock further.
Van Pran is athletic, strong, and aggressive. He holds his own in pass protection and carves up solid lanes on running plays. The prospect is also an exceptional pre-snap communicator, ensuring everyone is on the same page and ensuring lapses are kept to a minimum.
He doesn't have the longest arms in the world, which could put some teams off during their evaluations. But the tape speaks for itself. Van Pran looks like a Day 1 starter in Washington, even though he could go much higher than this when push comes to shove.
Commanders draft Adisa Isaac
- Edge Rusher | Penn State Nittany Lions
- No. 100 overall
Trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat before the deadline was the first major roster personnel decision that Josh Harris' ownership group influenced. It was done with the future in mind. It also completely negated any pass-rush the Washington Commanders had once the moves became official.
There was almost no pressure consistently after Young and Sweat departed. Those lower down the depth chart couldn't rise to the occasion. Aside from rookie fifth-rounder K.J. Henry's promise, it was largely disappointing.
The Commanders will look to rectify this as a matter of urgency this offseason. They boast enough in the way of financial flexibility to get an immediate veteran contributor or two in free agency. Adding another physically imposing prospect via the 2024 NFL Draft is another viable route with the wealth of resources at their disposal.
Penn State is developing a reputation for developing explosive pass-rushers who make their presence felt at the NFL level. Two more are coming out this year in the form of Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac. The latter looks like a tremendous value pick at this stage of the draft.
Isaac's leaped forward this season. He's refined his pass-rushing moves and improved gap discipline. Something that's reflected in his 7.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss throughout the campaign.
Adding some bulk to cope with the extra physicality would help his transition. If Isaac can accomplish this, there's a lot to like about his chances of making an instant impact on the Commanders' defensive rotation.
Commanders draft Devontez Walker
- Wide Receiver | North Carolina Tar Heels
- No. 102 overall
As previously stated, the Washington Commanders could do with revamping their wide receiver room this offseason. Aside from Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, nobody else has met expectations. Something that came as a surprise and made things difficult to find the cohesion needed on offense under Eric Bieniemy's guidance.
Jahan Dotson will get a reprieve as a first-round pick entering Year 3. Dyami Brown might not be so lucky after failing to increase his influence. The likes of Byron Pringle, Jamison Crowder, and Mitchell Tinsley could be moved on with little fanfare attached.
If an extension can't be worked out with Samuel, the need becomes more glaring. Either way, someone like Devontez Walker fits the mold of what the Commanders need to add a different dimension to their offense.
Walker is an outstanding playmaker who is a vertical threat downfield. He became Drake Maye's primary weapon during the campaign with North Carolina, bringing in 41 receptions for 699 receiving yards and seven touchdowns following his transfer from Kent State.
There is some work ahead for Walker in pursuit of enhancing his route tree. The prospect needs to become more influential between the numbers over intermediate routes given the physical scope he can call upon. But there's a lot to build off and having someone like McLaurin to lean on is only going to help if he was chosen by the Commanders.
Commanders draft Nazir Stackhouse
- Defensive Tackle | Georgia Bulldogs
- No. 138 overall
The Washington Commanders have invested a significant amount in their defensive front in recent years. Some high draft picks and lucrative contract extensions came to fruition. But it's been an indifferent season overall from the interior considering the lofty expectations on their shoulders.
Jonathan Allen's cut a forlorn figure amid another losing season. He might not be around under the new regime given his disillusion. Daron Payne's taken a step back after signing a bumper new deal to prevent him from leaving in 2023 free agency. Former second-round selection Phidarian Mathis has been a non-factor once again.
Investing more top draft assets in the position seems unlikely. However, adding a development project that could assist from a rotational role right out of the gate is something to consider.
Nazir Stackhouse is a formidable proposition to move from the point of attack. He thrives against the run, clogging up holes and standing his ground to make life extremely difficult for oncoming runners to gain any sort of momentum.
Stackhouse builds his success on leverage. He's everything the Commanders thought Mathis would be in that regard. While he won't offer much from a pure pass-rushing perspective, the Georgia prospect has no trouble pushing the pile with physicality and violence in equal measure.
Adding Stackhouse to a defensive front behind Allen and Payne could be worth its weight in gold.
Commanders draft Jaylan Ford
- Linebacker | Texas Longhorns
- No. 179 overall
The Washington Commanders are desperately thin of options at linebacker - another area that Ron Rivera ignored aside from using a first-round pick on Jamin Davis. He's the only player guaranteed to be around under the new regime. That's a major problem if this defensive unit wants to bounce back next time around.
Cody Barton's arrival was a failure almost from the moment he took the field. Khaleke Hudson looks like a rotational piece. Davis has some qualities, but it's unlikely he'll get his fifth-year option picked up when the time comes next spring.
Again, I'd expect the Commanders to identify some free agents that could help. Other glaring needs should take priority earlier in the draft, but finding a diamond in the rough is something the Commanders must contemplate to speed up what looks to be a pretty substantial rebuild.
Jaylan Ford has flashed enough promise to suggest he can enjoy a successful NFL career. His 10-tackle outing in the college football playoff against Washington lent further weight to these claims, ensuring he went over 100 tackles during an encouraging campaign overall.
Ford is instinctive and has enough burst to close down space quickly. He is more of a downhill linebacker capable of wrapping oncoming runners up effectively and with aggression. The prospect is sometimes a liability in coverage, so this is an area the Commanders need to focus on from a development perspective if they end up bringing the Longhorn into the building.
Commanders draft Ja'Quan Sheppard
- Cornerback | Maryland Terrapins
- No. 219 overall
The Washington Commanders have conceded so many big plays this season. It's been had to keep up at times. Another big disappointment considering Ron Rivera utilized his first two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft to fortify the secondary.
The jury is still out on Emmanuel Forbes after a stuttering rookie campaign. Quan Martin's shown promise in recent weeks as a nickel option and safety when required. Benjamin St-Juste's status is uncertain. Veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller is out of contract and could generate significant interest as a free agent.
This means the Commanders need to add one or two capable performers. Especially if a contract extension cannot be worked out with starting safety Kamren Curl.
Ja'Quan Sheppard has the capabilities to be a versatile rotational piece with a smooth transition. Asking him to start right away is unrealistic, but the athleticism alone suggests he could be an asset on special teams while the prospect refines his undoubted talent.
Just where the Maryland prospect is best suited at the next level is a big talking point. His size is more in keeping with those on the backend. But the length and ball-tracking abilities mean he could line up against tight ends and bigger wide receivers when called upon.
It's always a crapshoot at this stage of the draft. Sheppard has more value than most given his experience and coping well with his transfer to the Terrapins.