Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Final countdown edition

Commanders draft Javon Bullard

• Defensive Back | Georgia Bulldogs
• Round No. 3 | No. 67 overall

Quan Martin spent time last season as the starting nickel for the Washington Commanders defense. With the lack of true talent in the secondary this season, it makes a lot of sense to put him on the backend as the single-high safety due to his closing speed, range, and coverage skills.

So, who replaces Martin at nickel back or spends time with him as a split-safety in Cover 2 or quarters?

Give me one of “my guys” for the 2024 draft in Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard. This is an explosive and nimble player who flies downhill in a hurry. He displays a level of physicality at the catch point and in run support that Dan Quinn would be impressed with.

The former national championship defensive MVP offers high-level football intelligence and overall awareness that make him a disciplined defender in the secondary. Bullard has enough hip fluidity and athleticism to play nickel while offering split safety and box versatility on the backend.

Commanders draft Bralen Trice

• Defensive End | Washington Huskies
• Round No. 3 | No. 78 overall

After moving on from Montez Sweat and Chase Young at the trade deadline last season, the Commanders have re-stocked at the defensive end spot with Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell as the current starting pass rushers. However, I believe there is still a need to add more depth and talent to the position to go alongside K.J. Henry and Dante Fowler Jr., specifically when it comes to generating pressure.

Washington Huskies pass rusher Bralen Trice lacks the elite bend and is inconsistent in establishing natural leverage. What he does offer is impressive production over the last two seasons and is one of the most consistent pressure generators in the country.

Trice offers explosiveness, power, and a baseline set of pass rush moves and counters to win early in the NFL. While the prospect will need to add more strength and mass to his 6-foot-3, 259-pound frame, he’ll likely be a part of a platoon at defensive end as the Commanders aren’t in the best position to acquire a franchise edge presence at this time.

The defensive MVP from the college football playoff semifinal against Texas can develop into a potential starter during his rookie contract. Given recent arrivals, there's also a sense of freedom for Trice to develop gradually.