Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2024 NFL Draft selections as part of their new beginning under Adam Peters and Dan Quinn?
The Washington Commanders have positioned themselves well heading into an offseason of great changes. They have the league's most salary-cap space to acquire veterans in free agency. They also have an abundance of high-end capital in the 2024 NFL Draft, including the No. 2 overall selection.
Adam Peters and Dan Quinn are Washington's new power couple. Both come from winning franchises. Both share an aligned vision for the future. Hopefully, this immediate connection can evolve into a blossoming working relationship in the coming weeks and way into the future.
The options are almost endless for the Commanders. Of course, the rumor mill is swirling given the need to find a promising quarterback to spearhead their new era. Many other position groups also require attention. That will become clearer once the free-agent frenzy dies down.
After years of roster mismanagement under previous regimes, this offseason is critical for Peters. He comes from the San Francisco 49ers and played a huge role in molding them into a legitimate force capable of sustained contention. That won't happen immediately in Washington, but the front-office leader can lay the correct foundations by making every draft pick count this spring. Anything less would be a major disappointment and put the Commanders on the back foot.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders could approach their upcoming draft selections in our latest seven-round mock.
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Commanders draft Jayden Daniels
- Quarterback | LSU Tigers
- Round 1 | No. 2 overall
Speculation continues to rise about the Washington Commanders making a daring trade to No. 1 overall for Caleb Williams. This will be discussed by those in power despite the Chicago Bears reportedly looking for a historical haul. It would be a bombshell of epic proportions if they went through with this move.
It's no secret that the Commanders are in the quarterback market this offseason. Sam Howell's rollercoaster first season as the team's starter dictates as much. It wasn't an easy situation for the signal-caller, but the new regime wants to make a splash in pursuit of solving their most complex roster riddle.
Looking at the staff Dan Quinn has assembled, the offensive side looks like the perfect set-up for a young quarterback. Kliff Kingsbury's offense appears well-suited to Drake Maye looking at his college production at North Carolina. In this scenario, Washington pulls out a wildcard in the former of Jayden Daniels.
The LSU prospect has a significant amount of momentum behind him currently. He was sensational for the Tigers in 2023 en route to the Heisman Trophy. He's got game-changing traits that cannot be taught. There are some concerns about his mechanics, but Washington's new and improved coaching staff could work out the kinks in no time.
Daniels is an exciting prospect capable of great things. It might take time, but the Commanders could do far worse than look in his direction.
Commanders draft Troy Fautanu
- Offensive Line | Washington Huskies
- Round 2 | No. 36 overall
One thing the Washington Commanders must avoid this offseason is penny-pinching along the offensive line. This was a core reason why Ron Rivera failed during his time as head coach. He inherited a productive unit and ended his tenure with one of the worst protections anywhere in the NFL.
Adam Peters knows how a good offensive line can make everything around them better. The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best in football - something he helped construct. Expect to see the same attention to detail in Washington during the weeks and months ahead.
The Commanders have enough salary-cap space to bring in a high-quality veteran or two in free agency. It would also be wise to address this critical need early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fortunately for Washington, this is a deep group emerging from the college ranks.
Troy Fautanu flourished for the Washington Huskies last season. He operated as an offensive tackle, but many analysts project his best position to be on the interior once he gets to the pros.
Fautanu is intelligent and athletic in pass protection. He's got that ruthless aggression needed to impact running plays. His hand placement can be suspect at times, but there is a lot to like about the player's next-level potential overall.
Commanders draft Troy Franklin
- Wide Receiver | Oregon Ducks
- Round 2 | No. 41 overall
If the Washington Commanders are intent on selecting a quarterback prospect at No. 2 overall, they need to surround them with everything their chosen signal-caller needs for a smooth integration. The offensive line is a big priority as previously mentioned. Those in power must also add to their wide receiver room with potential upgrades.
Terry McLaurin remains a core foundational piece after going over 1,000 receiving yards in difficult circumstances. Jahan Dotson didn't enjoy the breakout many expected, but the former first-round pick should get another chance to impress under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Again, this is a deep class of wideouts coming out of college this spring. Many are expected to have first-round grades or be taken in Round No. 1. There's also a chance a prominent weapon falls into the Commanders' laps early in the second round.
If Troy Franklin is available, the Commanders should consider the possibility. He's a supreme threat at all three levels. The Oregon prospect has the speed to take the top off any defense. He also has the yards after the catch ability to turn quick receptions into big gains.
Adding Franklin to the Commanders would provide Jayden Daniels with a legitimate trio capable of creating separation consistently in this scenario. Whether he'll be available at No. 41 overall is another matter.
Commanders draft Darius Robinson
- Edge Rusher | Missouri Tigers
- Round 3 | No. 67 overall
After the Washington Commanders traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline, they lost any consistent pass rush as expected. The pair were sorely missed. Adam Peters must rectify this problem as a matter of urgency during the offseason.
The Commanders should splash the cash on a proven pass-rusher to help them hit the ground running under new head coach Dan Quinn. There's also a good chance of finding a potential difference-maker from the college ranks relatively early during the 2024 NFL Draft process.
Darius Robinson has the physical tools that could see a profitable NFL career in his long-term future. He's coming off the best campaign of his college career at Missouri, gaining 14 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks to see his draft stock soar along the way.
Robinson plays with violent intentions. His ability to manipulate offensive linemen through hand movements is pleasing to the eye. He's quick to react to what's going on around him. He's got an eye-catching blend of raw power and quickness that every NFL team looks for in their pass rushers.
One Robinson works out some discipline issues - especially against the run - someone is going to have a real player on their hands. The Commanders could use someone with this upside and boundless energy that's for sure.
Commanders draft Bucky Irving
- Running Back | Oregon Ducks
- Round 3 | No. 100 overall
While running back wouldn't be considered the biggest need heading into the first offseason under general manager Adam Peters, no team can ever have enough dynamic playmakers. There's also the small matter of Antonio Gibson's status to factor into the equation.
Gibson is a free agent this spring. There's a chance that the Washington Commanders could bring him back on a team-friendly deal. There's also the growing trend around the league about not giving players at the position a second deal to ponder.
If the Commanders feel like they'd get more bang for their buck elsewhere, then finding another backfield presence to go alongside Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr. should be considered during the 2024 NFL Draft. Bucky Irving has the necessary dual-threat capabilities to replace Gibson. He's been a model of consistency over the last two seasons and took his game to new heights during the 2023 campaign.
Irving is incredibly elusive. He's not the biggest running back to ever grace the league, but the prospect is an aggressive runner with outstanding on-field vision to spot gaps and explode accordingly.
There's no doubt Irving is best running outside the tackles. This is where his sharp cuts and ability to absorb contact begin to stand out. One cannot overlook the Oregon star's ability as a quick-release route-runner and significant pass-catching asset, either.
The Commanders would benefit greatly from Irving's presence if Gibson departed. But he might end up going higher than this when it's all said and done.
Commanders draft Cam Hart
- Cornerback | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Round 4 | No. 102 overall
After investing heavily in their secondary last offseason, the Washington Commanders couldn't muster the improvements needed. It's way too early to give up on first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes. However, the need for reinforcements could increase depending on the futures of Kendall Fuller and Kamren Curl.
The Commanders should look to keep both around in some capacity. That will be easier to do with Curl given the fact Fuller might want to take his chances on a contender. Retaining two high-level performers would be a significant statement of intent from Adam Peters.
Even if Curl and Fuller are extended, the Commanders need another physically imposing cornerback capable of providing assured coverage in key moments. Cam Hart was seen as a sleeper by many heading into the 2024 Senior Bowl. After a standout week in Mobile, that's not the case anymore.
Hart is big, fast, strong, and has enough length to keep opposing wide receivers at bay. He's sound enough in press coverage to knock players off their routes. The Notre Dame prospect is a willing tackler and can help against the run.
Becoming more effective going downfield would be beneficial from Hart's perspective. But if the Commanders convince Fuller to remain on board and the likes of Forbes and Benjamin St-Juste improve under Dan Quinn, it would allow the incoming college prospect to develop at his own pace.
Commanders draft Dallin Hooker
- Tight End | Colorado State Bulldogs
- Round 5 | No. 137 overall
The Washington Commanders need a better plan at the tight-end position. Logan Thomas looks like a prime salary-cap sacrifice with one year remaining on his deal. Cole Turner was perhaps underused in Year 2 of his professional career. Still, banking on the former Nevada star becoming a legitimate receiving threat would be a gamble based on his small sample size.
If the Commanders take a quarterback at No. 2, adding a tight end capable of growing with the young signal-caller is paramount. Free agency could be a good bet for immediate production. But if general manager Adam Peters and his team can find a diamond in the rough later in the 2024 NFL Draft, it would help enormously.
Dallin Hooker is a well-rounded prospect who could go higher than this if someone falls in love with him during their pre-draft evaluations. He's a crisp route-runner with assured hands. His large catch radius makes him a threat in red-zone and key-yardage situations
Hooker is a sound football IQ. This enables him to identify soft spots in coverage effectively and become a nice security blanket in the passing game. He doesn't have what would be classed as elite speed and his blocking needs a little refinement. That said, the Colorado State product makes a ton of sense for the Commanders at this stage of the draft.
Commanders draft Javon Foster
- Offensive Tackle | Missouri Tigers
- Round 6 | No. 180 overall
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders offensive line needs a complete makeover this offseason. Spending in free agency to solidify a couple of starting positions would be wise. Considering the draft assets at Adam Peters' disposal, double-dipping from a deep draft class could also reap short and long-term rewards if the right prospects are acquired.
Andrew Wylie and Charles Leno Jr. underwhelmed as Washington's starting tackle tandem in 2023. It makes sense to keep one around, but neither can be considered a prominent feature for future prosperity based on their production during the recently concluded campaign.
Again, this could be addressed much sooner. If the Commanders decide to wait a little longer for edge protection assistance, Javon Foster is a potential Day 3 selection that has starting-caliber credentials if a few kinks are worked out.
Foster is a physical mauler in the run game. His tape is full of flashes where he overpowers opposing defenders. He's been steadily improving his technical prowess in pass protection. It's not perfect, but there is a willingness to learn and be coached up throughout his time at Missouri.
The player needs to improve his footwork once he starts coming up against more explosive edge rushers at the next level. Aside from that, there is a lot to like.
Commanders draft Omar Speights
- Linebacker | LSU Tigers
- Round 7 | No. 219 overall
This part of the draft is always a crap shoot. For every Brock Purdy, there are a hundred guys who don't cut the mustard. Separating those with promising potential from the also-rans in the later rounds separates the good teams from the not-so-great.
It would be fantastic to see some urgency directed towards the Washington Commanders linebacking corps this offseason. Nobody aside from Jamin Davis is guaranteed to return in 2024. Free agency is a good place to find instant solutions at the defensive second level. Taking a flier on someone like Omar Speights might also be something to ponder.
Speights is highly experienced following a prolific spell at LSU and Oregon State. He excels in coverage, demonstrating outstanding awareness and quick reactions to developing routes. The closing speed is adequate and he also flashes sideline-to-sideline production against the run.
There is a tendency to be over-aggressive. He's not the biggest either, which could cause complications against more physical NFL blockers. Anyone expecting the prospect to be a dominant pass-rusher is kidding themselves, but the Commanders could use Speights as a special teamer while building gradually into the defensive rotation in this scenario.
The Commanders have to hit on the majority of their draft picks this offseason. Whether Speights is someone who fits their new mold under Dan Quinn remains to be seen.