Commanders Day 2 NFL mock draft: Brandon Aiyuk trade edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Marshawn Kneeland
- Edge Rusher | Western Michigan Broncos
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 78
Even though it wouldn't be classed as the need it was before free agency, adding another explosive young edge rusher could enter the Washington Comanders' train of thought during Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. They've plugged the gap left by the Montez Sweat and Chase Young trades in the short term. But out of all the options acquired in this key position group when the free-agent frenzy commenced, only Dorance Armstrong comes with a longer-term upside.
No team can ever have enough quality pass-rushers. It's an area that's lacked depth in recent seasons in Washington, which became exposed glaringly once those in power took the tough decision to part ways with their starting defensive end tandem. Having two legitimate pass-rushing forces at the defensive second level - Jamin Davis and Frankie Luvu - should help, but Marshawn Kneeland might be an option to consider midway through the third round if it makes it this far.
Kneeland has an NFL-ready frame that allows him to set the edge on running downs with supreme efficiency. His motor is absolutely off the charts, which would endear him to head coach Dan Quinn given the high demands he places on every defensive player at his disposal.
As a pass-rusher, the Western Michigan prospect relies heavily on power moves to get the job done. His bull rush overwhelmed almost everyone at the collegiate level, although that won't be nearly as easy once Kneelend comes up against more physically dominant offensive linemen in the pros.
His remarkable agility was reflected in the player's outstanding three-cone drill and shuttle tests during the pre-draft process. He's a little raw in terms of boasting the pass-rushing arsenal needed to become a starting force at the next level. But in this scenario, there wouldn't be any immediate pressure on him to play anything more than a rotational role thanks to the presence of Armstrong, ante Fowler Jr., Clelin Ferrell, and K.J. Henry.