Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Post-combine questions edition

Commanders draft Marshawn Kneeland

• Edge Rusher | Western Michigan Broncos
• No. 138 overall

Finding a college edge rusher could be addressed much sooner than this. The need is great after the Washington Commanders traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline. But we're working on the premise that general manager Adam Peters will splash the cash on a potential difference-maker or two in free agency.

College prospects rushing the passer tend to be a letter in terms of immediate production. K.J. Henry flashed promise as a rookie as a fifth-round pick out of Clemson, but nobody else is guaranteed to return with many expected to hit free agency. Therefore, this is one of the more pressing dilemmas for Adam Peters to resolve this offseason.

Marshawn Kneeland has the versatility and well-rounded game to potentially slot into the rotation immediately. While the Western Michigan prospect doesn't necessarily excel at anything, he's good at everything. This includes rushing the passer through a nice blend of initial speed and power from the edge or even the interior when the situation dictates.

Kneeland also has no trouble setting the edge on running downs, which is an underrated aspect of his player's game. What he lacks in explosiveness, he more than makes up for with effort and strength. There might be an adjustment period once he gets to the NFL, but the Commanders would be getting a decent value pick at this stage of the draft.