Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2024 NFL Draft picks with plenty of remaining needs following a flurry of free-agent activity?
Nobody expected the Washington Commanders to let free agency pass without significantly strengthening their roster. They were armed with the league's most salary-cap space and a new regime looking to make the NFL start looking at this once-proud organization differently. Adam Peters is making every move with calculated intent while also avoiding any long-term financial complications.
This puts the Commanders in a strong position heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. There's a chance further additions arrive before the selection process gets here - something that would provide Peters with extra freedom to plug in the missing pieces before the campaign.
Peters has always stated a desire to build through the draft and supplement in free agency. The substantial holes across the roster and the hard reset adopted by those in power meant drastic measures were needed to provide hope of an immediate turnaround. Anything less would have caused unnecessary complications.
The Commanders have a bounty of draft picks that start at No. 2 overall. It's no secret what the first-round plan is. After that, things are less certain. But make no mistake, this could shape the future of the franchise for good or bad.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at which way the Commanders plan to go with their selections in our latest seven-round 2024 NFL mock draft.
Commanders draft Drake Maye
- Quarterback | North Carolina Tar Heels
- No. 2 overall
Nobody has the first clue what the Washington Commanders have planned aside from taking a quarterback. This became almost guaranteed once they signed veteran backup Marcus Mariota in free agency and traded Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks. Now, for the hard part.
Adam Peters will be fully aware of how pivotal this choice is. The Commanders have been crying out for a genuine franchise-caliber presence under center. They won't get a better chance to make this goal a reality with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Hitting on the pick is critical.
This is Peters' first offseason as general manager. This is also the most important decision he'll ever make. If Caleb Williams goes No. 1 to the Chicago Bears as expected, it seems between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels unless J.J. McCarthy wows those in power during their upcoming meeting.
It's a divisive topic and Daniels is the current frontrunner with sportsbooks. However, a chance is taken on Maye's upside, which is arguably higher than any signal-caller emerging from the college ranks this year.
Maye is far from the finished product, but the ceiling is incredibly high. The Commanders also have an exceptional coaching staff in place to improve the player's footwork and ability to go through progressions more effectively. If that means sitting him for the first few weeks, so be it.
Nobody should moan too much if Daniels is the pick. It's okay to like both, just don't expect Peters to show his hand given the way Washington has conducted business so far under his leadership.
Commanders draft Tyler Guyton
- Offensive Tackle | Oklahoma Sooners
- No. 36 overall
Once the Washington Commanders choose their new franchise quarterback, surrounding him with everything needed to thrive becomes the biggest priority. Those in power have done a nice job in filling out the defense during free agency up to now. This provides general manager Adam Peters with an extra sense of freedom to find difference-makers on offense to place around their rookie signal-caller.
Charles Leno Jr.'s release and the dwindling free-agent market indicate the Commanders will be looking for a left tackle early in the draft. Cornelius Lucas re-signed on a one-year deal, but this seems like a backup, swing-type piece rather than someone capable of manning the blindside from a starting capacity.
This is a deep draft class for offensive linemen. Tyler Guyton could easily be a first-round pick based on his ascending college career and exceptional pre-draft assessment process to date. If he's available when the Commanders go on the clock at No. 36 overall, those in power must seriously consider the possibility.
Guyton has everything one looks for in a productive NFL edge protector. He's 6-foot-7 and 328 pounds with the athleticism to match. He's explosive getting into his stance and boasts outstanding technical strengths in pass protection. Once the Oklahoma prospect gains leverage, it's normally a done deal.
If Guyton improves his run blocking and core base to overcome his tall stature, he looks like a Day 1 starter with high-end potential. Something the Commanders desperately need to protect their new man under center.
Commanders draft Xavier Legette
- Wide Receiver | South Carolina Gamecocks
- No. 40 overall
The Washington Commanders haven't done much to bolster their wide receiver room this offseason. Jamison Crowder was re-signed, but no new additions have come into the fold despite general manager Adam Peters boasting an embarrassment of riches financially at his disposal.
Perhaps those in power feel like they can get more out of Dyami Brown at long last. Even so, the Commanders would be wise to examine an exceptionally deep draft class of wideouts emerging from the collegiate level in 2024.
A large number of prospects are expected to be snapped up in Round No. 1. This leaves the Commanders hoping one falls into their lap unless they decide to move back into the first somehow. Xavier Legette is gaining significant momentum at the right time, which should ensure he's drafted much sooner than originally anticipated.
Legette has physical gifts that cannot be taught. He's a huge wide receiver with NFL-caliber speed and strength. It took him four years to legitimately break out at South Carolina, but the impression left couldn't have been more encouraging in 2023.
The prospect's skill set seems to complement what Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson bring to the table. There will be a period of adjustment, but offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury could get him downfield on vertical routes while Legette becomes more accomplished as a well-rounded asset in this scenario.
Commanders draft Ja'Tavion Sanders
- Tight End | Texas Longhorns
- No. 67 overall
Logan Thomas was released as expected before free agency. The Washington Commanders signed Zach Ertz - who could be a nice situational asset in the passing game despite his advancing years. Much will depend on how the coaching staff perceives the talent of Cole Turner and Armani Rogers, but adding another explosive weapon to the tight end room is an option worth considering.
According to multiple reports, the Commanders are set to host Ja'Tavion Sanders on a top 30 visit before the draft. The Texas prospect is one of the more dynamic tight ends in this year's class. If he builds on an outstanding college career in the pros, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.
Sanders is an explosive route-runner who must be covered by a cornerback at all times. Linebackers cannot live with his athleticism and ability to stretch the field. He's got proven production at all three levels of the field and makes contested catches look almost effortless. He's also a substantial red-zone threat to further enhance his influence.
Getting him involved in the passing game specifically would be the best way to go in this scenario. He is a great blocker at the second level, but this discipline leaves a lot to be desired at the line of scrimmage. That said, giving Kliff Kingsbury and Washington's new quarterback a weapon such as this comes with untold benefits attached.
Commanders draft Cole Bishop
- Safety | Utah Utes
- No. 78 overall
It was disappointing to see Kamren Curl depart for the Los Angeles Rams in free agency. The contract terms weren't exactly extortionate looking at his rise into a prolific starter, but the Washington Commanders felt moving on from the former seventh-round pick out of Arkansas was better for their long-term future.
The Commanders signed Jeremy Chinn from the Carolina Panthers, who is listed as a safety but does his best work closer to the line of scrimmage. Unless Percy Butler takes a monumental leap forward under Dan Quinn's coaching staff, more is needed on the backend.
There are plenty of intriguing options on the market that the Commanders could target before the draft. If they decide on a college prospect, someone like Cole Bishop could be a decent value selection at this stage of the process.
Bishop was one of the nation's top safeties in 2023. He does everything well. He can cover receivers in the slot and provide adequate backend support to cornerbacks over the top. This is matched by a willingness to get physical against the run and even assist in blitz packages when the situation dictates.
Once the player improves his tackling technique working with the Commanders' coaching staff and adds a little extra bulk to his frame in the weight room, it would be a surprise if he wasn't ready to make an immediate contribution.
Commanders draft Cam Hart
- Cornerback | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- No. 100 overall
The Washington Commanders opted not to bring back veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller in free agency. This was always a likely scenario according to beat writers beforehand. He eventually signed a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins in the hope of spending the final seasons of his prime on a playoff hopeful.
Adam Peters brought in Noah Igbinoghene and Michael Davis in free agency. Both come with questions attached, so finding another capable presence from the college ranks to go alongside Emmanuel Forbes and Benjamin St-Juste would be desirable.
Someone like Cam Hart ticks the boxes. He's physically imposing and athletic in equal measure. There's a fluidity to his movement that's hard not to love. This is matched by aggressiveness against the run through forceful tackling and outstanding awareness of play development.
These strong anticipation traits also come across in his coverage skills. Hart has the size and power to become highly productive in press-man situations. The Notre Dame standout has enough speed to go downfield and reads route movement extremely well.
Hart did his chances no end of good during the NFL Scouting Combine. He needs to work on some technical aspects of playing the position - especially going up against elite-caliber wideouts who'll punish every mistake - but the defensive back's ceiling is pretty high based on his physical profile alone.
Commanders draft Cedric Johnson
- Edge Rusher | Ole Miss Rebels
- No. 139 overall
This stage of the draft is about finding diamonds in the rough. The Washington Commanders haven't had nearly enough success in this area of the selection process in recent years. Adam Peters' track record is more accomplished, so hopes are high that the supreme talent evaluator can unearth some gems.
After trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat before the deadline, the Commanders needed to find options capable of generating pressure consistently. Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. reunited instantly with head coach Dan Quinn in free agency. Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn can provide pressure from the second level. Clelin Ferrell is a gamble, but adding one or two more at some stage this offseason wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Cedric Johnson's college production was decent enough over his four years at Ole Miss. It didn't set the world alight by any stretch, but the prospect has a lot of intriguing traits that can transition to the next level.
Johnson's spin move is a sight to behold. He's not a one-trick pony, though. He also wins through speed-to-power and has aggressive hands that can shed blocks efficiently.
Most analysts question where Johnson would be best suited in the NFL. Thankfully for the Commanders, the scheme implemented by Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. could provide the creativity needed to help him thrive over time in this scenario.
Commanders draft Isaiah Adams
- Offensive Line | Illinois Fighting Illi
- No. 152 overall
The Washington Commanders moved swiftly to bolster their offensive line interior this offseason. Tyler Biadasz comes in as the starting center and Nick Allegretti has his sights set on the left guard position after flashing during the Kansas City Chiefs' run to another Super Bowl. With Sam Cosmi set to continue at right guard following his breakout campaign, this has the makings of a productive trio.
Chris Paul and Ricky Stromberg are the only viable interior depth pieces currently depending on what the Commanders have planned for Braeden Daniels. This is a strong draft to rectify the complication with value all across the pecking order.
He's a little rough around the edges, but Isaiah Adams has a ton of potential. The Illinois prospect works well in tight windows, has violent hands capable of keeping opposing defensive linemen at arm's length, and is aggressive on running downs - especially at the second level.
One could make a strong case for Adams being a versatile piece capable of occupying multiple positions if needed. That didn't always bear fruit during the Ron Rivera years, but taking a development project such as this on Day 3 comes with long-term upside.
Adams needs to work on his technique, footwork, and operating in space to carve out a successful career for himself. Aside from that, there is plenty to encourage any willing suitor.
Commanders draft Myles Cole
- Linebacker/Edge Rusher | Texas Tech Red Raiders
- No. 222 overall
Adam Peters had a plan in place to give the Washington Commanders a major boost at the linebacker positions. Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu are the team's marquee additions. Jeremy Chinn could also see plenty of time at the defensive second level. Anthony Pittman is a solid rotational piece and an exceptional special teamer. Keandre Jones was acquired earlier in the offseason, but his immediate role is unclear.
Taking a flier on Myles Cole at this stage would give Dan Quinn another athletic option to call upon. The Texas Tech prospect has experience as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. He's not the most explosive by any stretch, but gaining an advantage through leverage and eye-catching footwork does the trick instead.
Cole is just scratching the surface with room to add bulk and enhance his pass-rushing repertoire. This is the sort of athletic specimen Quinn loves to place in multiple alignments in pursuit of creating mismatches. It might not happen right away, but the Commanders have enough options to bring him along gradually after acquiring several immediate contributors during free agency.
Perhaps taking a gamble on an unheralded offensive weapon might be the way to go here. But Cole does have some enticing features to his game that could mesh well with Quinn's schematic concepts.