Grading every Commanders pick from the 2024 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Commanders drafted Brandon Coleman
- Offensive Tackle | TCU Horned Frogs
- No. 67 overall
Fans on social media were becoming increasingly frustrated as offensive tackles began flying off the board. A constant stream of premier edge protectors who went in the first round. This trend continued late in the second, meaning general manager Adam Peters had to strike with conviction to avoid missing out entirely.
There didn't appear to be any panic whatsoever from Peters' perspective. He tried several times to go up into the first round to no avail. After that, he seemed happy enough to take good football players over needs during a memorable Day 2 for the new front-office leader.
Perhaps he was waiting for one specific guy. Something that led the Commanders to select Brandon Coleman at No. 67 overall.
Coleman is supremely gifted athletically and enjoyed a phenomenal college career at TCU. His pass protection is nothing short of sensational, which is thanks to outstanding technique, nifty footwork, and a high football IQ. However, most analysts believe his lack of ideal length means he'll be better suited to the interior.
Looking at the current state of affairs, it would be a huge shock if the Commanders didn't give Coleman a chance to prove himself on the edge. Washington has Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott - two veterans who can man the blindside in the event it doesn't work out - but it's a worry for new rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
There's a lot to like about Coleman's college tape. He's not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination, but the Commanders have some accomplished coaches capable of tweaking his flaws. These include being too rigid in his hip movements, overextending to compensate for his length issues, and hand placement against speed rushers.
Draft Grade: B
This is a feast or famine move. Coleman has the talent, but it won't take long for the coaching staff to figure out whether he's capable of providing adequate edge protection for Daniels this offseason.