Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2024 NFL Draft selections as big changes loom on the immediate horizon?
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the Washington Commanders are heading for a complete reset. The team is languishing at 4-8 following their Thanksgiving Day thumping at the Dallas Cowboys, which saw the normally loyal Ron Rivera fire defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio in the hope of salvaging some semblance of respectability from the campaign.
Easier said than done with a playing staff lacking confidence and effort. But it was the only realistic card Rivera had left to play.
The Commanders are likely to move on from Rivera and perhaps even general manager Martin Mayhew in 2024 according to multiple reports from respected insiders. This is something Josh Harris' ownership group has been planning for, with recent moves suggesting they want to make this franchise a coveted destination when the hiring cycle begins.
After trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat before the deadline, Washington is rich in draft assets. They also have an abundance of salary cap space to strengthen the ranks, so the foundations are being laid for a brighter future once the inevitable is confirmed with Rivera.
One of the biggest criticisms where Rivera is concerned centers on the draft. It's been a mixed bag when it comes to selecting difference-makers from the college ranks, which also came with failing to identify problem positions with the urgency needed.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders could use their upcoming picks in our latest seven-round mock draft.
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.
Commanders draft Laiatu Latu
- Edge Rusher | UCLA Bruins
- No. 36 overall
After trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat before the deadline, the Washington Commanders must find another dynamic edge rusher from the college ranks in 2024. There's been no consistent pressure generated without the former starting defensive end tandem, which is something that cannot continue next season if this team wants to make strides.
Young and Sweat were going to be expensive. Trading them was a cost-cutting measure that could allow other areas to get a much-needed boost if the Commanders find the right reinforcements via the draft.
Someone like Laiatu Latu ticks all the boxes. The formidable edge presence has come of age at UCLA over the last two seasons, registering 23.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss, displaying the sort of traits normally associated with productive pass-rushers at the next level.
Latu is explosive, gets off the block rapidly, and has enough functional strength to make things happen against the run. The prospect's motor is relentless and his anticipation is another strong area of his production that demands the utmost respect.
There are some medical concerns that need to be alleviated before the Commanders make this move. But Latu's been healthy for two seasons now and could be exactly what Washington is looking for.
Commanders draft Troy Franklin
- Wide Receiver | Oregon Ducks
- No. 38 overall
If the Washington Commanders decide to move forward with Sam Howell as their starting quarterback in 2024, adding some weapons around the signal-caller should be considered. This bears more significance at the wide receiver position, which has gone through some complications in 2023 despite the gunslinger airing it out almost constantly.
Terry McLaurin remains productive despite being a frustrated figure at times. Jahan Dotson's been up and down, Curtis Samuel is out of contract next spring, and Dyami Brown doesn't look like he'll ever reach his pre-draft billing thanks to another underwhelming campaign up to now.
Finding another potential difference-maker at the skill positions would aid Howell tremendously. While there's a chance he could go a lot higher, Troy Franklin would be a tough propostion to turn down in this scenario.
Franklin has blazed a trail for the high-octane Oregon Ducks offense led by quaterback Bo Nix this season. His elite route running and ability to create separation have been evident throughout, which is reflected in the player's 77 receptions for 1,349 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
There's no doubt Franklin is a big play waiting to happen. He might be a little undersized weight-wise compared to some successful wideouts around the league, but that's becoming less relevant when one looks at how the likes of DeVonta Smith are thriving.
Commanders draft Sedrick Van Pran
- Center | Georgia Bulldogs
- No. 69 overall
As previously stated, if the Washington Commanders want to use next season to properly evaluate Sam Howell, they must fix the offensive line. The former fifth-round selection is on track to break the NFL's single-season record for sacks, which is a damning indictment of the way head coach Ron Rivera has approached recruitment in this critical area of the field throughout his tenure.
This is a mistake the new coaching regime cannot make. There are some good offensive linemen emerging from college this year, with Sedrick Van Pran arguably the best at the center position following an exceptional career with the two-time national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
The Commanders brought in Nick Gates during free agency in the hope of solving their center riddle after Chase Roullier's injury problems forced Washington into a different plan. This blew up in their face and although Tyler Larsen is decent, he doesn't look like a long-term solution.
With Van Pran, it's a different story. He's a well-rounded lineman in the run or passing game, is a strong communicator at the line of scrimmage, and rarely puts a foot wrong thanks to a nice blend of power and agility.
Some analysts are tabbing Van Pran as a potential second-round candidate. So if the prospect is still around by this point, the Commanders shouldn't hesitate.
Commanders draft Zak Zinter
- Offensive Line | Michigan Wolverines
- No. 96 overall
Can you sense a theme here?
Sam Howell is doing well with almost no consistent production from his offensive line. There are countless examples of the protection fluffing their lines in key moments, so one could make a strong case for the signal-caller deserving a shot with better players in front of him and a new coaching staff - hopefully with a background on offense - in 2024.
One thing the Commanders need to do well when the time comes for change is to find front-office personnel capable of unearthing gems from lower down the draft. Ron Rivera had some success in this area, but last year's class leaves a lot to be desired despite fifth-rounder K.J. Henry flashing over the final few weeks.
Zak Zinter looks to have the physical profile needed to add a little fire to the offensive line interior. He is a brute force in the guard position with a ruthless streak that jumps out on film.
Zinter is a mauler in the run game, which is his biggest strength right now. There are some technical aspects of his pass protection that need refinement, but the Michigan prospect copes well with imposing rushers and boasts the footwork flashes to build upon.
In this scenario, solidifying the offensive line with Zinter, Sedrick Van Pran, and Olumuyiwa Fashanu gives the Commanders three core building blocks for the future. Something that should assist Howell greatly.
Commanders draft Josh Newton
- Cornerback | TCU Horned Frogs
- No. 102 overall
The Washington Commanders drafted Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin with their first two selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. That was surprising to many, with deafening calls among the fanbase to draft a promising offensive lineman such as O'Cyrus Torrence and John Michael Schmitz.
Acquiring Forbes and Martin hasn't prevented the Commanders from giving up explosive plays at will in their secondary. Not having a consistent front seven plays a role, but the coverage just isn't up to the required standard aside from Kendall Fuller's continued consistency in a contract year.
Allocating another high-end selection for the position doesn't seem likely. But if someone like Josh Newton became available in the mid-rounds, it's a discussion that needs to be had.
Newton boasts encouraging athleticism. He isn't the quickest - certainly not like Forbes - but his physicality could mean the Commanders are able to deploy press coverage more effectively depending on what scheme the new permanent defensive coordinator deploys.
The TCU prospect has the physical profile to perhaps move to the safety position. This is another area where the Commanders could use depth given Percy Butler's indifferent performance levels and the need to pay Kamren Curl, who's become an integral part of the team's plans.
Commanders draft Blake Corum
- Running Back | Michigan Wolverines
- No. 133 overall
Adding a running back might not be the biggest need, but no team can ever stand still when it comes to explosive backfield options. Brian Robinson Jr. looks like a genuine three-down threat with the right volume of touches, with rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. also flashing enough to suggest more could be on the way if he develops accordingly this offseason.
The situation surrounding Antonio Gibson is something to watch once the campaign ends. He's out of contract next spring, so a scenario could emerge where the Washington Commanders decide not to retain him in the hope of finding a better, cheaper option from the college ranks.
Blake Corum would be a tough proposition to pass up if he made it this far down the pecking order. Many were touting the Michigan playmaker as a potential first-round pick before injury struck, but he certainly looks back to his best this season as the Wolverines get set for another tilt at the college football playoffs.
Corum isn't the biggest at 5-foot-8, but he's the definition of a pocket rocket. His vision is exemplary, the prospect has an exceptional burst, and the elusiveness he displays in the open field cannot be ignored.
Relying on Corum from a blocking standpoint would be foolish, at least initially. There's also a chance he goes much higher than this, but we play the simulator as per the Pro Football Network rankings.
Commanders draft Cade Stover
- Tight End | Ohio State Buckeyes
- No. 166 overall
Eugene Shen is the new analytics guru hired by majority ownership partner Josh Harris to implement a new way of thinking. His presence has already been felt, with head coach Ron Rivera stating the recent arrival was highly influential in explaining the value of trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young for the necessary draft compensation.
Expect Shen's influence to be felt no matter who comes in this offseason. The bright mind is a huge proponent of the benefits of boasting a productive tight end capable of moving the chains, which is exactly what the Washington Commanders have been lacking despite Logan Thomas flashing moments of quality in 2023.
Perhaps getting Sam Howell another veteran presence with Thomas being a salary-cap cut candidate will be the preferred option. It might also be worth picking up an intriguing prospect from the college level with a nous for producing the goods in the passing game.
Cade Stover won't be getting the hype of others such as Brock Bowers, but he's on an upward trajectory. The Ohio State prospect is a dependable presence over the middle and in the red zone, bringing in 41 receptions for 576 receiving yards and five touchdowns from his efforts this season.
Stover won't blow you away with speed, but he's a smart route runner with good ball skills. He also knows how to find the soft spots in zone coverage and put them to good use effectively.
Commanders draft Jamon Dumas-Johnson
- Linebacker | Georgia Bulldogs
- No. 197 overall
The Washington Commanders are in desperate need of help at the linebacker position. It wouldn't be a shock to see them identify this need much higher up the draft order, but we'll work on the premise those in power will find a prolific veteran or two to go alongside Jamin Davis, who'll likely be in a contract year.
Cody Barton won't be back. It's unlikely Khaleke Hudson will either with a coaching staff that has no emotional attachment to him whatsoever.
In addition to confirmed starters, the Commanders also require a genuine development project that could emerge into a starter over time. Jamon Dumas-Johnson is a hard-hitting interior presence currently thriving with the Georgia Bulldogs, so the pedigree is there to build off once he arrives in the pros.
Dumas-Johnson excels against the run and has the strength to plow through blocks when the situation dictates. He's not the quickest, but he identifies running lanes well and boasts enough pursuit quickness to get to the point of attack quickly.
He'll need to bulk up once he gets to the next level. Dumas-Johnson isn't the biggest and won't offer much from a pass-rushing perspective, but there are some intriguing elements to his game that warrant further examination at this stage of the draft.