Grading every Commanders pick from the 2024 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Commanders drafted Jordan Magee
- Linebacker | Temple Owls
- No. 139 overall
The Washington Commanders didn't have the greatest need at the linebacker position heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. This is strange to say given the lack of attention given to the defensive second level by previous head coach Ron Rivera, which is a testament to the increased sense of urgency from Adam Peters and his staff to fortify the position group.
Frankie Luvu promises to bring energy and physicality in all phases after the Commanders identified him as a high-priority free-agent acquisition. Those in power also pulled off a coup with the signing of perennial All-Pro Bobby Wagner, who gained 183 tackles last season and looked to have plenty left in the tank despite his decreasing influence in coverage.
These additions could be among Washington's most important this offseason. But once other needs were addressed, the Commanders took the opportunity to draft someone they believe has the physical scope to potentially start in the coming years.
Jordan Magee might not be the physically dominant force of someone like Wagner, but he's well put together. The Temple prospect is fast, boasts tremendous instincts to identify plays developing, and gets to the contact point quickly. There is some refinement needed in terms of tackling technique, but his growth in coverage with the Owls last season more than justified the pick.
And as is normally the case with Peters draft picks, he's a proven leader, being named team captain for two consecutive years before embarking on his NFL journey.
Draft Grade: B+
Charles Davis from the NFL Network proclaimed that Magee would be starting for the Commanders within two years once they made the selection. The lack of size is concerning, but learning from the likes of Luvu and Wagner in addition to Washington's improved coaching staff is going to give him the best possible start.