Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Dreams come true edition
By Dean Jones
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.