Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Free agency clues edition

Commanders select T.J. Tampa

• Cornerback | Iowa State Cyclones
• Round No. 2 | No. 36 overall

One thing Washington Commanders fans should know about Dan Quinn is that he loves long and physically talented cornerbacks.

Look at the type of starters he had at the position during his time as defensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, Trevon Diggs, and Stephon Gilmore are all cornerbacks with quality size and length overall to go along with their natural talent. 

Adding another such player to Washington’s secondary would be a nice welcome for a defense I expect to play fairly well in 2024.

Sure, T.J. Tampa comes in much lighter than you would expect for a Quinn cornerback at just 6-foot-1 and 189 pounds. However, he showcases the long arms that make him an intriguing option based on body type. Skill set-wise, the Iowa State prospect has the makings of a quality starter at the next level.

The former first-team All-Big 12 offers ample closing speed that allows him to play and support the run fairly well. On top of that, Tampa is explosive and attacks the football with relentlessness. His ball skills will raise the eyebrows of Commanders fans.

Tampa isn’t a fluid athlete and in preliminary viewings, was somewhat inconsistent with his zone capabilities. Regardless, the upside is there for the ex-Cyclones star to be an immediate contributor in the Commanders' secondary.