Commanders news: Eric Bieniemy, Ryan Kerrigan, trading back and combine note

Commanders trade down in CBS Sports mock draft

All signs are currently pointing to the Washington Commanders selecting a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, nothing will be off the table as general manager Adam Peters looks to hit on his first draft as the team's new front-office supremo.

Many analysts project this to be a straight battle between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Trading up for Caleb Williams seems like an impossible ask. Peters could also take this opportunity to get a king's ransom from elsewhere by trading back.

This was a scenario projected by Tom Fornelli from CBS Sports. Instead of going down the conventional route, the writer traded down to No. 8 after a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Terms of the trade were not disclosed. Washington took offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with their selection.

"Like [J.C.] Latham, [Olu] Fashanu is a better pass-blocker than run-blocker, but Latham is further ahead in that aspect, so I have him slightly ahead of Fashanu now. That said, I love Olu, an outstanding pass-blocker who is strong enough to hold up against a power rusher and athletic enough to move quickly and counter speed rushers. He also does an excellent job of diagnosing threats pre-snap and adjusting after the snap."

- Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports

I am a big fan of Fashanu's. His elite pass protection is something the Commanders desperately need on their blindside. There is some work to do in terms of run blocking, but the athletic intangibles suggest more development will arrive once he gets to the pros.

What this means for football's most important position is debatable. The Commanders could take one later. They could trade for one or sign a veteran in free agency. They could also run it back with Sam Howell.