Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Moving up edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Olumuyiwa Fashanu
- Offensive Tackle | Penn State Nittany Lions
- No. 5 overall
The Washington Commanders have a top-five selection after the weekend's results. This puts the organization in a predicament, especially if their form gets worse and they move higher in the standings.
This is the area where teams begin looking for their franchise quarterback of the future. Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are the two signal-callers projected to be taken before all else, so the Commanders must decide whether to build around Sam Howell or go with a shiny new toy under a different coaching regime.
Howell's done enough so far to suggest that he's worthy of another shot in 2024 with better pieces around him. It's tough to evaluate the quarterback behind such suspect protection from Washington's offensive line, so that becomes priority No. 1 if the North Carolina product is their guy next season.
Having a top-five pick gives the Commanders an opportunity to finally find a genuine franchise-caliber presence at left tackle. Charles Leno Jr. is serviceable, but the veteran looks like a cut candidate given the savings involved. Targeting Olumuyiwa Fashanu must be considered by those in power.
Fashanu has the size, mobility, and athleticism unique for a man his size. The Penn State prospect is technically sound, excels in pass protection, and looks like a 10-year starter if he gets a clear run without injuries.
After so long settling for suspect free agents after trading Trent Williams, Fashanu's arrival would be a breath of fresh air.