Which way could the Washington Commanders go with their 2024 draft selections ahead of the all-important NFL Scouting Combine?
Adam Peters and Dan Quinn will be running the rule over college hopefuls during the annual NFL Scouting Combine. The Washington Commanders have plenty of high-end capital to utilize as part of their grand plans for progression. Much will depend on how they spend the league's most available salary-cap space in free agency, but building through the draft is also high on their list of targets.
The Commanders have plenty of holes to fill and a lot of hard work ahead. Washington was among the league's worst teams last season. Most went through the motions under a lame-duck head coach whose fate was sealed long before the campaign concluded. Despite the doom and gloom that's enveloped the organization over the last two decades, there is now legitimate hope for the future.
Hitting on their draft picks this spring would be a fantastic platform from which to build. Peters is the right man for the job based on his sterling efforts with the San Francisco 49ers. Expecting miracles right away is unrealistic, but there's also a chance this huge project can bear fruit sooner than most anticipate.
All the chatter centers on what the Commanders will do from No. 2 overall, but there are eight other selections at their disposal. Finding gems lower down the pecking order is equally important. Something Peters helped with frequently en route to securing a well-deserved promotion.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach their selections in a special pre-combine seven-round mock draft.
Commanders draft Drake Maye
Speculation continues to build around the Washington Commanders potentially taking a quarterback at No. 2 overall. There are some tremendous prospects available. Considering those in power don't plan on picking this high again for a while, general manager Adam Peters might decide to strike while the iron is hot.
Sam Howell would reportedly draw significant interest from around the league according to Ralph Vacchiano from FOX Sports. The insider stated that this could result in Washington getting a third-round selection for the player. Looking at how things stand and his regression in difficult circumstances last season, that's decent compensation.
It's hard to look past Drake Maye right now. A trade-up for Caleb Williams cannot be completely dismissed. The incredible emergence of Jayden Daniels is also worth noting. That said, the North Carolina prospect has too much talent to ignore.
Maye has the arm strength and mobility that would instantly upgrade things under center. He's not the finished article yet - especially when it comes to risk-taking and timing on his throws - but the positives far outweigh the negatives.
The Commanders have set things up perfectly for any incoming rookie signal-caller. Maye also looks well-suited to Kliff Kingsbury's offensive demands, which could allow for a smooth transition. Whichever way the Commanders go with this selection, it'll shape the short and long-term future of the franchise.
Commanders draft Amarius Mims
This opportunity was too tempting. The Washington Commanders are in desperate need of reinforcements along the offensive line. Amarius Mims is seen by many as a first-round lock. When he fell in this simulator, I shifted course accordingly.
The Commanders could use an injection of energy and standards at the offensive tackle positions. Charles Leno Jr. is serviceable on the blindside but no more than that. Andrew Wylie fluffed his lines after joining in 2023 free agency and could be a salary-cap cut candidate in the coming weeks.
Fortunately for the Commanders, this is a deep draft class for offensive linemen. Mims brings some outstanding credentials to the table. It would be a shock if he made it this far down the pecking order. If he does, those in power should pick up the phone and turn in their pick without hesitation.
The former five-star high school recruit excels in pass protection. Mims has a wide base and exceptional technique that can overwhelm opposing edge rushers. It will be more difficult at the next level, but his size and quickness suggest the Georgia prospect can make an immediate impression.
If the Commanders take a quarterback as expected at No. 2 overall, their next priority is to solidify the protection. Washington has enough cash to make a veteran splash in free agency. Acquiring Mims in this scenario has the scope to bring a long-term edge presence who could man one of the tackle positions for a decade.
Commanders draft Darius Robinson
After trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline, the Washington Commanders need to prioritize their edge rushing options this offseason. They have plenty of spare cash to find an immediate difference-maker in free agency depending on who hits the market. Targeting a dynamic college prospect with one of their early draft selections should also factor into the team's potential plans.
Aside from K.J. Henry - who caught the eye with limited involvement as a rookie - nobody is guaranteed a roster spot under the new regime. If someone like Darius Robinson is available at this juncture, the Commanders have a decision to make.
Robinson is gaining significant momentum at just the right time. At 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, the edge presence has come of age over the last two seasons. His 2023 campaign was the prospect's best yet. It's also a sign that he's taking on coaching and gradually flourishing into a highly capable performer.
The Missouri prospect is going to test extremely well at the NFL Scouting Combine. Couple this with the flashes of consistent playmaking on tape, and Robinson might enter first-round consideration when push comes to shove.
There is a lot to like about the way Robinson goes about his business. He's aggressive and explosive in equal measure. His pass-rushing is improving and there is a willingness to become impactful against the run for good measure.
Once Robinson improves his gap discipline, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.
Commanders draft Malachi Corley
Finding some dynamic playmakers should also be among the Washington Commaders' biggest objectives in the coming weeks. Much like the situation with Amarius Mims, I was a little shocked to see this particular prospect available early in the third round. But the benefits of bringing Malachi Corley to the franchise are obvious.
Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson should have a big part of Washington's offensive strategy under Kliff Kingsbury. Nothing can be said with any guarantee about the rest within the wide receiver room. Curtis Samuel is out of contract, which would be the biggest loss of all by a considerable margin if he took his chances elsewhere.
Corley looks like a ready-made replacement for Samuel. The Western Kentucky prospect is pure dynamite with the football in his hands. He's a threat to score almost every time. Although he might be seen as more of a slot option at the next level, that's exactly what the Commanders would be looking for if Samuel departs.
One of Corley's strengths is creating separation quickly. He's extremely sharp out of his cuts and has the ball skills to match. While he might struggle on occasion to get off press coverage once he gets to the pros, Kingsbury is more than capable of finding ways to scheme the wideout to his advantage.
The Commanders could also use a more physically imposing wide receiver to complement what they already have. But those in power have the financial means to address this in free agency if the right opportunity comes along.
Commanders draft Jaheim Bell
Logan Thomas will be 33 years old when the 2024 season begins. The tight end is also one of the team's highest earners. Despite the impressive financial resources at the Washington Commanders' disposal, he could end up being a cut candidate with more than $6 million in savings attached.
In this scenario, the Commanders would need to find someone capable of providing a genuine pass-catching presence at the position. Adam Peters knows the importance of this from his time working with the San Francisco 49ers. He was part of the brain trust that drafted George Kittle, who's now one of the league's most complete tight ends.
Jaheim Bell has a long way to go before reaching these accomplishments. However, his transfer to Florida State in time for the 2023 campaign saw his draft stock surge along the way.
Bell has a unique blend of size and athleticism. This is normally highly coveted for tight ends in the modern-day NFL. There is some refinement needed, but the player's ceiling is incredibly high if he takes on coaching and is allowed time to develop at his own pace.
Tracking the football is one of Bell's biggest strengths. He's got the agility to make a difference at all three levels of the field. However, any team expecting him to be a blocking force immediately will be out of luck.
This is an area of his game that needs significant work, but the Commanders have John Bates to fill those responsibilities.
Commanders draft Cam Hart
The Washington Commanders need more physicality at the cornerback position. Kendall Fuller's impressive production aside, almost everyone else failed to meet expectations. This was especially disappointing with Emmanuel Forbes - the first-round pick who found life difficult going up against elite-level wide receivers capable of punishing every mistake.
Fuller is a free agent and might not return, although the Commanders should work hard to ensure his stay is extended. Even so, Forbes' unreliability and Benjamin St-Juste's inability to take his game up a notch mean further additions to Joe Whitt Jr.'s secondary are expected.
Cam Hart is another gaining eye-catching momentum during the pre-draft assessment process so far. The Notre Dame prospect was one of the standout performers throughout Senior Bowl week, displaying sound coverage capabilities and also making an impact on running downs for good measure.
Hart's tape from his playing days with the Fighting Irish is mixed. There were times when he gave up deep plays thanks to a lack of awareness. Identifying route concepts more effectively would be another area of his game that needs refinement before embarking on prominent NFL reps.
That said, the athleticism for a man his size is off the charts. He's physical in run support, excels in getting wideouts off their routes in press coverage, and also has success operating in zone schemes to further boost his cause. Hart is a solid pick at this stage of the draft.
Commanders draft Jaylan Ford
Finding productive linebackers is a necessity for the Washington Commanders. Jamin Davis is the only dependable option after the position group wasn't prioritized enough during Ron Rivera's tenure. Those in power need to find worthwhile additions in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft in pursuit of making their defensive second-level a force once again.
Someone like Jaylan Ford makes a ton of sense here. The Texas prospect thrives against the run, displaying violent hands and a tireless work ethic to reach the point of contact with efficiency and aggression in equal measure.
Ford was a tackling machine over his final two seasons with the Longhorns. He notched 220 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks before deciding to take his chances at the next level. He's also been lauded for his outstanding leadership traits and ability to provide defensive communication pre-snap.
There are some concerns. Ford's coverage capabilities leave a lot to be desired. It's unlikely he'll be able to cope with explosive NFL slot receivers unless significant improvements arrive. He also overcommits in the passing game, leading to complications.
Much will depend on which players the Commanders sign in free agency. If they're in a position to take a development project who could assist on the rotation and also thrive on special teams, Ford enters the equation.
Commanders draft Javion Cohen
As previously stated, fortifying the offensive line is a task those in power must accomplish this offseason. Sam Howell was the league's most-sacked quarterback for a reason. This unit wasn't fit for purpose despite the encouraging strides made by Sam Cosmi after his switch to the interior.
The Commanders have plenty of money to find veteran help. Adding someone like Amarius Mims earlier in the draft would also reap significant rewards. While much of the focus has been on starting assistance, Washington also needs to improve depth options in the event injury strikes.
Javion Cohen has the physical attributes to be a potential starter on the interior with further development. His athletic traits make him an asset in pass protection. He's always quick out of his stance and technically sound enough to capitalize when he gets his hands on opposing defensive lineman.
Cohen's lack of size could mean his future lies at one of the guard positions, which is fine. In this case, he needs to become more impactful on running plays. His frame suggests he can make strides in this area, even if it wasn't on full display during his time at Miami.
Despite the concerns, Cohen is good value with Washington's penultimate pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Commanders draft Blake Watson
The Washington Commanders have a difficult decision to make with Antonio Gibson this offseason. The running back looks like a tremendous scheme fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offense despite losing the No. 1 spot to Brian Robinson Jr. That said, giving players at the position second contracts unless they are in the upper echelons statistic-wise isn't a common trend around the NFL.
If the Commanders opt to let Gibson take his chances elsewhere, they'll need to find another option to go alongside Robinson and Chris Rodriguez Jr. That won't be cheap in free agency. Therefore, finding a potential diamond later in the 2024 NFL Draft could be worth its weight in gold.
Blake Watson might be exactly that. His transfer to Memphis in 2023 proved to be the making of him, gaining 1,632 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns during a phenomenal campaign.
Watson is a gifted runner - a rocket with the football in his hands. Blocking will be difficult for him in the pros unless his blitz pickup awareness increases, but Kingsbury should find ways to get him involved en route to potentially filling the void left by Gibson in this scenario.
The Commanders have a great chance to accelerate their rebuild with the resources available. If they came away from the draft with these nine prospects, that seems like a pretty good haul.