Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Moving up edition

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.