Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2024 draft selections after another fascinating NFL Scouting Combine?
It's an interesting time for the Washington Commanders and their long-suffering fanbase. General manager Adam Peters is keeping his options open in pursuit of molding this roster into one capable of contending sooner rather than later. He is also armed with $96 million in salary-cap space and an abundance of draft assets during his first offseason as the team's front-office leader.
The options are endless. Washington has a huge call to make at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Do they spend the pick on a quarterback prospect capable of spearheading this exciting new regime? Do they identify an elite performer in another position group? Does Peters pull the trigger on trading back for a king's ransom if the right offer comes along?
These questions are a hot topic of discussion among fans currently. Peters should have a better lay of the land after the NFL Scouting Combine. This prominent event is a time to find out more about prospects of interest and also embark on business discussions with agents and other influential figures around the league.
While nobody is expecting miracles from the Commanders in 2024, they have a good chance to make things easier for new head coach Dan Quinn by nailing their recruitment this offseason. More importantly, this is an attractive destination for the first time in two decades with Dan Snyder no longer holding absolute power. That's only going to help their cause.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach their selections in a special seven-round post-combine mock draft.
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Commanders draft Jayden Daniels
- Quarterback | LSU Tigers
- No. 2 overall
There seems to be growing speculation linking Drake Maye with the Washington Commanders at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's the overwhelming betting favorite with sportsbooks. Most analysts have deemed this as a foregone conclusion despite a lot of discussions and assessments to come.
That said, some clues suggest it might be Jayden Daniels when it's all said and done. Although I won't be putting any firm guarantees on it like most.
Daniels is riding on the crest of a wave following his outstanding final campaign at LSU. He was nothing short of electrifying, displaying the dual-threat ability and willingness to improvise that is pivotal in the modern-day NFL. It also came with a well-deserved Heisman Trophy as a result of his phenomenal efforts.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky recently claimed that Daniels is his QB1. Rich Eisen from the NFL Network said he was QB2 with most teams based on his conversations at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Commanders have been rightfully tight-lipped - they won't be tipping their hand at this stage - but Dan Quinn's revelations about what he wants in a signal-caller might point to this prospect when push comes to shove.
If the choice was Daniels, nobody would complain too much. He's ascending, driven, and charismatic. Something the Commanders haven't had under center for a long time.
Commanders draft Jordan Morgan
- Offensive Tackle | Arizona Wildcats
- No. 36 overall
Releasing Charles Leno Jr. was an expected sacrifice by the Washington Commanders. The veteran left tackle is set to undergo hip surgery, so this seemed like a good time to start fresh and find a long-term blindside protector to go alongside their new franchise quarterback in this scenario.
Of course, they might decide to go down the free agency route in pursuit of finding an immediate upgrade. There are set to be some decent options available, but this is also an extremely deep draft class for offensive linemen that should be exploited.
Jordan Morgan should be high on their shortlist. His length, athleticism, and exceptional footwork in pass protection make him an intriguing candidate. There is also a lot to like about his ability to create leverage quickly and keep opposing edge rushers in front of him through exceptional quickness and change of direction speed.
The Arizona prospect is technically sound and can get out on the move to assist in running plays when the situation dictates. While his arm length isn't ideal for an NFL offensive tackle, it's not the red flag it once was thanks to players such as Rashawn Slater thriving despite pre-draft concerns.
There's a chance Morgan becomes a late first-round selection when it's all said and done. If he's available early in Round No. 2 when the Commanders go on the clock, they would be wise to strongly consider the possibility.
Commanders draft Ladd McConkey
- Wide Receiver | Georgia Bulldogs
- No. 40 overall
After the Washington Commanders find a long-term quarterback and left tackle in this scenario, attention turns to improving the skill positions. No signal-caller can excel without a strong supporting cast. One only has to look at how Bryce Young fared compared to C.J. Stroud in 2023 to see what complications can emerge.
The Commanders might identify a free agent or two. But much like the offensive line, this is expected to be an immensely gifted crop of wideouts emerging from the college ranks. Many will be first-round picks, but a few could also slip through the cracks with other positions also warranting attention.
Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson will be part of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's plans in 2024. The Commanders need another weapon capable of creating separation quickly. This puts Ladd McConkey firmly on the shortlist of possibilities.
McConkey enjoyed an outstanding college career at Georgia despite being relatively overlooked compared to other wide receivers. He's enhanced his stock considerably throughout the assessment phase up to now, showcasing his eye-catching explosiveness and route-running skills to make NFL scouts sit up and take notice.
Putting McConkey alongside McLaurin, Dotson, and another veteran presence in free agency comes with untold potential. Something that would make life easier for a new rookie quarterback if the Commanders choose to go down that particular path.
Commanders draft Ben Sinnott
- Tight End | Kansas State Wildcats
- No. 67 overall
Another expected release came in the form of Logan Thomas. The veteran tight end was solid enough and managed to stay healthy in 2023. Unfortunately for the converted quarterback out of Virginia Tech, the savings involved with his early departure proved too tempting to ignore.
Unless the Commanders are convinced that someone like Cole Turner or Armani Rogers can thrive with more responsibilities, reinforcements will arrive. The veteran pool in free agency could have one or two worth considering. Going down the draft route represents the cheapest alternative with a better upside long-term.
Ben Sinnott might be the answer. The Kansas State prospect continues to surge his stock - which was enhanced further thanks to an outstanding display at the NFL Scouting Combine. This comes across in his game film despite boasting just two years of starting experience at the college level.
Sinnott is a slick route runner who can create separation through sharpness and body leverage. His hands are soft enough to make tough catches look easy. His ability to track the football downfield and make contested grabs is something else that can easily transfer to the pro ranks.
While the top-end speed wouldn't be classed as elite, Sinnott looks like a tremendous fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme. Someone who could become a quarterback's best friend in no time at all and become a menace in creating yards after the catch.
Commanders draft Brandon Coleman
- Offensive Line | TCU Horned Frogs
- No. 101 overall
Releasing Nick Gates means the Washington Commanders are also on the lookout for interior offensive line additions this offseason. Band-aid fixes and a failure to form a concise plan for stability along the protection proved to be Ron Rivera's demise. This is a mistake general manager Adam Peers cannot make, especially if he goes with a rookie quarterback at No. 2 overall as expected.
The Commanders have to get more athletic across the line. They need players capable of coping with increased power and explosiveness from defensive lines around the league. Fortunately for those in power, this is an exceptionally deep draft class that Washington should investigate thoroughly.
Brandon Coleman was another to turn in an outstanding performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. His athleticism is elite, which is matched by a wide base and strong core that makes him incredibly difficult to shift off the block.
Coleman packs a strong punch that can overwhelm opposing defensive linemen if they aren't ready. His hand placement is sufficient and there is a nastiness to his game that stands out when watching his college production at TCU.
There is some work ahead for Coleman. He needs to improve his ability to counter. There needs to be more fluidity in his hips when coming up against elite-level NFL performers who'll punish every lapse in concentration. That said, he's well worth a risk here.
Commanders draft Cam Hart
- Cornerback | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- No. 103 overall
The Washington Commanders will not be using the franchise tag on Kendall Fuller. While the veteran cornerback performed at a high-level last season, he could take this opportunity to find somewhere with a better chance to contend. Something his current employers seem like a way off following another underwhelming campaign in 2023.
If the Commanders lose Fuller, it'll be a blow. The questions surrounding Emmanuel Forbes and Benjamin St-Juste are there for all to see. Washington cannot afford to depend solely on these two defensive backs in coverage after seeing how much they were exposed last time around.
Adding in free agency is a wise play. If Cam Hart was available at this stage of the draft, he would represent another physical presence with the scope to assist immediately with a smooth transition from college to the pros.
Hart was another to shine at the NFL Scouting Combine. He moves so well for a man his size, which makes him a potential asset in press coverage or as a slot option depending on where he lands. There is scope to develop his physique further, so switching to the safety position cannot be completely dismissed.
Teams are going to test Hart on deep routes early in his career. His top-end speed wouldn't be classed as elite, so putting him in a position to become a difference-maker over the short and intermediate levels of the field would be preferred. This bears more significance when one considers how impactful the Notre Dame prospect can be on running downs.
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.
Commanders draft Kitan Oladapo
- Safety | Oregon State Beavers
- No. 181 overall
Much like the situation with cornerback Kendall Fuller, the Washington Commanders won't be placing the franchise tag on starting safety Kamren Curl. The surge in salary-cap space made it too expensive at $17 million, although a long-term extension is still being worked out with the former seventh-round selection.
Tying down Curl for his prime years would be desirable. He's worked his way up into an important part of Washington's defensive plans. The Commanders also got tremendous value throughout his rookie deal, so paying up if the money works for all parties would be the best possible solution.
That said, the Commanders should be examining contingency plans in place should Curl opt to take his chances elsewhere. Veteran safeties can be easily sought in this scenario. Adding a promising prospect at some stage during the 2024 NFL Draft is something else for Adam Peters to contemplate.
Kitan Oladapo emerged as the undisputed leader of Oregon State's defense quickly. He's got three years of superb college production under his belt. His traits are similar to Curl's in terms of demonstrating a willingness to come down and help in run support. This is an area of his production that excels consistently.
Some spatial awareness flaws must be addressed despite so many starts in college. That said, the Commanders aren't risking much at this stage of the draft to see what he can do within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s creative defensive alignments.
Commanders draft Jawhar Jordan
- Running Back | Louisville Cardinals
- No. 220 overall
Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr. showed enough to suggest they could be a productive one-two running back tandem in 2024. If Antonio Gibson takes his chances elsewhere in free agency, those in power need to find a third option capable of potentially getting some involvement right out of the gate.
A wealth of options will be available in free agency as teams become increasingly reluctant to pay veteran running backs the going rate. Finding rough diamonds via the draft in this particular position group is easier than most given college production is a strong indicator of what they bring to the pros.
Taking a flier on Jawhar Jordan is the call with Washington's final pick in this mock draft. He's not the biggest at 5-foot-9, but don't let that fool you. There's an aggressiveness and downright mean streak attached to his game that makes him a significant threat in a dual-threat capacity.
Jordan's found a way to make this lack of size beneficial to his production. He can squeeze through the smallest seams and break off big yardage. It also makes him difficult to cover when running routes out of the backfield. Expecting him to be an asset from a blocking capacity is asking for trouble, but providing Kliff Kinsgbury with a weapon like this adds another string to the offensive coordinator's bow.