Commanders news: Jayden Daniels, Austin Ekeler, J.J. McCarthy and trading up
By Dean Jones
Commanders trade-up speculation
Once the Washington Commanders select their quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the hard work isn't over. Adam Peters is loaded with six picks in the top 100 and nine in total. He'll also be aggressive without jeopardizing future capital. Many believe this could lead them into a trade back into the first round for a franchise left tackle to go alongside their new rookie signal-caller.
This was a topic brought up by Lance Zierlein from NFL.com. The draft analyst said he'd be surprised if the Commanders and Arizona Cardinals weren't already working the phones to get a second first-round pick. Something that would send shockwaves through the league.
"I'll be pretty shocked if either Arizona or Washington (or frankly both) aren't moving some of their enormous stockpiles of draft capital and making a move back into the first. I understand AZ has two picks in one, but I think it's likely they package another pick and upgrade 27."
This was a sentiment echoed by David Latham from Last Word on Sports. The writer speculated that the Commanders could package together their two second-round selections to surge up. It's a lot of compensation, but the rewards could be substantial if the player in question ends up becoming their blindside force for the next decade.
"Washington only has one first-round pick, but they have two second-round picks and three third-round selections. If they package both second-round picks, they can probably net a top-20 selection. The Seattle Seahawks will probably embrace a rebuild with first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, so they might be willing to give up the 16th-overall pick for the 36th and 40th picks in the draft. While this could happen, it’s a steep price to pay for a team with needs throughout the roster."
Peters will already have the lay of the land regarding potential trade partners. After that, it's a case of seeing how the board plays out and striking with conviction when an opportunity arises.
Buckle up.
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