Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Filling needs edition
By Jonathan Eig
Commanders draft Danny Stutsman
- Linebacker | Oklahoma Sooners
- No. 132 overall
Danny Stutsman can give the Washington Commanders something they lack - a young natural linebacker. He is not as physically gifted as Jamin Davis, but he shows better instincts, especially when dropping into coverage.
He reads running plays well and has enough size and speed to get through blocks and chase down runners. Stutsman is not elite, but he has a fair amount of experience in college and could step in next to Davis and be an immediate upgrade on the substandard linebacking play Washington has had this year.
The Commanders have ignored their defensive second level for too long. Davis was their last real investment as a first-round pick. That's brought glaring frailties to a key area completely ignored by head coach Ron Rivera as part of his roster building over the last four years.
Stutsman would only solve some of their problems. He could be a surprising starter during his rookie season with a smooth transition. This represents the best-case scenario for teams at this stage of the NFL Draft.
Much more will be needed. But this will be dependent on what sort of scheme the Commanders' new defensive coordinator - whoever that might be - plans to run once their appointment is confirmed.
Others to consider: Ben Sinnott, Beaux Limmer, Zach Frazier.