Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Moving up edition
By Dean Jones
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.