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

Commanders select Malik Washington

• Wide Receiver | Virginia Cavaliers 
• Round No. 4 | No. 102 overall

As previously discussed, the Washington Commanders must begin to build around their rookie quarterback, whoever that might be. They have two terrific wide receivers, Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. This makes the need for another playmaker not as high in the draft considering the amount of talent and depth at the position.

Adam Peters could easily take another receiver on Day 2. However, on the third day of the player selection event, there could be some hidden gems that teams may overlook during the process. One of those players might be Malik Washington.

The first word that comes to mind when thinking about Washington is explosiveness. Despite being 5-foot-9 and 191 pounds, the Virginia prospect ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash with a 42.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-6 broad jump at the NFL Scouting Combine. This translates well to his film, which is highly impressive overall.

Washington can be a three-level threat in the professional ranks due to not just his explosiveness but also his ability to win as a route runner and utilization of space within run-after-catch situations. Should Curtis Samuel sign with a new team, the Commanders could draft his replacement rather than spend resources on another free agent.

In this scenario, Washington could be used in a variety of different alignments by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and potentially make an immediate contribution.