Expectations were high for the Washington Commanders heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. General manager Adam Peters had a hefty arsenal of picks at his disposal. Making the most of them was going to be crucial for the franchise in their quest to make progress next season and beyond under new head coach Dan Quinn.
What transpired during the draft was impressive. Peters mastered the board considerably well, taking prospects regardless of need, striking in the trade market when he felt it could benefit the organization, and scooping up some intriguing development pieces further down the pecking order who look tailormade for the way Quinn wants things to be moving forward.
If anyone had any doubts about whether Peters was the right man for the job, they should be alleviated now. The Commanders have a progressive, purposeful leader of their football operation. There's a quiet determination within, but he also comes off as genuinely approachable - something that resonates with players and staff alike.
It's been a long time since the Commanders had someone like that in charge. If the same trend continues in the weeks and months ahead, the foundations for a successful era of football in the nation's capital won't be too far behind.
That's for the future. For now, we went in-depth and graded every Commanders' pick from the 2024 NFL Draft.
Commanders drafted Javontae Jean-Baptiste
- Edge Rusher | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- No. 222 overall
The Washington Commanders solidified their edge rushing options by picking up some players both Adam Peters and Dan Quinn know well from previous stops in free agency. They waited until their final selection of the 2024 NFL Draft to acquire a development piece from the college ranks at No. 222 overall.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste is a physical specimen out of Notre Dame with all the athletic traits needed to carve out a role for himself. He's the sort of physical profile Quinn's had plenty of profitability with previously, but expecting him to accumulate prominent reps on the rotation right out of the gate is unrealistic.
Jean-Baptiste transferred to the Fighting Irish from Ohio State in time for the 2023 season, which was a smart decision. He got extended playing time en route to five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. There's a lot to like about the length he brings to the table and the player's spin move is phenomenal in obvious pass-rushing situations.
Draft Grade: B+
This stage of the draft is all about unearthing rough diamonds in the hope of carving them into something more. Jean-Baptiste has more going for him than most despite being raw technically. Something Quinn and his staff will aim to rectify over time.
Commanders drafted Dominique Hampton
- Defensive Back | Washington Huskies
- No. 161 overall
Adam Peters did almost nothing to keep Kamren Curl and Kendall Fuller from departing in free agency. The Washington Commanders had some holes to fill within the secondary as a result. But after free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft, things look a little more promising.
The Commanders added another intriguing option to their depth chart by spending a fifth-round selection on Dominique Hampton, who has an NFL-ready physique and emerged into a valuable contributor on the Washington Huskies during their fairytale run to the college football national championship game.
Hampton isn't the most technically gifted, but Day 3 is all about finding the sort of athletic intangibles that could become something more with intense coaching. The defensive back fits the mold in that sense, with his versatility to operate anywhere across the secondary something else that could be in handy as part of the creative scheme being devised by Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
The prospect does a lot of his best work closer to the line of scrimmage. Hampton is a willing helper against the run and boasts enough closing speed to reach the point of attack in double-quick time. This could come in handy on special teams while the player refines his skill set as a rookie.
He's got the physicality needed to cope relatively well in coverage against tight ends, which is another string to Hampton's bow that could be of use. He'll also have the benefit of leaning on two renowned defensive back developers - Quinn and Whitt - who've developed a strong reputation for turning unheralded prospects into outstanding NFL performers.
Draft Grade: B
Expecting miracles from Hampton would be unrealistic. His angle recognition needs significant work and the player's tackling technique will also need a makeover. But from an athletic standpoint, there is plenty to encourage if he comes into the building willing to do whatever it takes to get better.
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.
Commanders drafted Luke McCaffrey
- Wide Receiver | Rice Owls
- No. 100 overall
The Washington Commanders needed to find another wide receiver or two during the 2024 NFL Draft. Surrounding their new rookie signal-caller with improved options in the passing game gives them the best chance of making a go of things right out of the gate. This was also projected to be an exceptionally deep group for general manager Adam Peters to take advantage of.
There didn't appear to be much urgency to acquire one of the perceived top-level talent. When Peters did strike with the final pick of Day 2 at No. 100 overall, Luke McCaffrey was the choice.
The name should be familiar. His father Ed was a prolific wide receiver and a three-time Super Bowl champion. His brother Christian is an All-Pro running back and arguably the best dual-threat weapon anywhere in the league. That's a ridiculously high bar for which to aim, but there's nothing to suggest McCaffrey cannot carve out a successful career for himself with a little extra refinement.
McCaffrey made the transition from quarterback to wide receiver with instant results. He seemed to be a pass-catching natural and has enough athleticism to suggest further improvements can arrive with more experience.
He might be restricted to slot responsibilities initially. That said, McCaffrey's ability to win contested catches consistently could mean he's deployed in multiple alignments with some extra route-running polish.
Nobody would have complained if Peters went with a wide receiver much sooner than this. That said, he sees something in McCaffrey that might be able to complement what the likes of Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson can bring to the table within Kliff Kingsbury's expansive offensive scheme.
Draft Grade: B
If the Rice prospect needs a little extra time to work on problem areas, then stashing McCaffrey down the depth chart and making him a special team weapon represents a realistic avenue of pursuit.
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.
Commanders drafted Ben Sinnott
- Tight End | Kansas State Wildcats
- No. 53 overall
It's been all change in the Washington Commanders tight end room this offseason. Logan Thomas became a salary-cap casualty as expected, which saved the franchise a little more than $6 million to better spend elsewhere during Adam Peters' substantial rebuild.
Kliff Kingsbury called someone he knows well, bringing in Zach Ertz on a one-year deal. The pair developed a strong working relationship during their time together with the Arizona Cardinals. Although he could provide an assured pair of hands, he's not played much football of late and isn't getting any younger.
This led to speculation that the Commanders could identify a talented tight end from the college ranks. Nobody knew for sure what the new regime thought of Cole Turner and Armani Rogers, but we got our answer when Washington took Ben Sinnott out of Kansas State at No. 53 overall.
Sinnott was a fast riser up draft boards throughout the assessment process after a sensational showcase of athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine made everyone sit up and take notice. Upon further examination of the prospect's game production with the Wildcats, it seemed as if he could be the latest relatively unheralded tight end who could potentially take the league by storm.
He's got outstanding ball skills, displaying the ability to catch in traffic with minimal fuss and boasting the elusiveness to become a surprising threat after the catch. Sinnott's route-running is developing all the time. The same can be said for his red-zone efficiency thanks to progressing body control and angle manipulation.
Draft Grade: A
It looks for all the smart money as if the Commanders have solved an ongoing complication with this pick if Sinnott maintains his upward trajectory in the pros. Ertz should be on hand to provide the rookie with everything needed for a smooth transition before he takes over the reins. But don't be surprised if this happens relatively early in the campaign.
Commanders drafted Mike Sainristil
- Cornerback | Michigan Wolverines
- No. 50 overall
One of the biggest needs for the Washington Commanders heading into the 2024 NFL Draft centered on the cornerback position. Kendal Fuller's departure in free agency was a blow, but Adam Peters didn't make much of an effort to keep the veteran around as part of his ambitious plans to revamp the roster.
Michael Davis should help as a situational coverage presence, but the free-agent signings aside from that were underwhelming. Considering how indifferent the consistency became from Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes, fans were clamoring for the Commanders to rectify this complication relatively early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Thankfully, this potential problem didn't go unnoticed by the general manager. The Commanders bided their time before deciding to acquire Mike Sainristil at No. 50 overall. This came after Peters struck a trade deal with the Philadelphia Eagles - something that enabled them to select stud defensive back Cooper DeJean after he surprisingly fell out of the first round.
Sainristil was lauded as the best pound-for-pound player in the draft by former Alabama head coach Nick Saban. That's high praise indeed. It's also not hard to see why looking at his exceptional influence during Michigan's college football national championship triumph.
Peters stated that he expects Sainristil to occupy the STAR cornerback spot, which also indicates that Quan Martin could be switched to the backend within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme. If anyone can help this sort of defensive back hit the ground running, it's the two aforementioned coaches.
Draft Grade: A
This could be another masterstroke from Peters when it's all said and done. Sainristil was touted as a potential first-rounder held in the highest regard around the league. He's also a winner and leads by vocal motivation and example - two things the Commanders were looking for as part of their cultural reset under Josh Harris' ownership group.
Commanders drafted Johnny Newton
- Defensive Line | Illinois Fighting Illi
- No. 36 overall
Johnny Newton was seen as a sure-fire first-round selection and widely regarded by analysts as one of the top players in this year's class. The formidable defensive lineman looked like a Day 1 starter with immediate upside during a prolific college career at Illinois. Despite having everything going for him, the prospect fell out of the top 32 selections entirely.
According to reports, this was thanks in no small part to the surgery required to repair a partial Jones fracture in his foot. The player stated that he'd made a full recovery and was ready to roll. That wasn't enough to prevent teams from going in a different direction when push came to shove.
This worked out extremely well for the Washington Commanders. Adam Peters admitted that they'd explored the possibility of trading up for the player. Nobody bit ahead of them, so it was a nervous wait at No. 36 overall to see if he'd still be around.
Washington got a stroke of good fortune and didn't hesitate. Newton might not have been the biggest need imaginable considering the presence of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, but Peters took the prospect highest on his board to provide them with another immediate difference-maker that adds a different dimension to Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s system.
Newton is incredibly disruptive, especially in pass-rushing situations. His motor is extremely high and the intentions are violent on almost every snap. He's relentless in pursuit, exploding to the point of attack and closing space quickly to stop oncoming runners in their tracks. This is exactly the sort of player who's thrived under Quinn previously.
Grade: A+
This was a slam dunk. A can't-miss opportunity that Peters was wise not to waste. Newton will find a role for himself immediately. Slotting him next to Allen and Payne on a situational 3-4 defensive front has the scope to cause absolute havoc for offensive lines around the NFL.
Commanders drafted Jayden Daniels
- Quarterback | LSU Tigers
- No. 2 overall
After months of deliberation, the choice was clear about which quarterback the Washington Commanders would take at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Adam Peters honed in on Jayden Daniels a few weeks before the big night, although the general manager was right to see out the process to see if there was anything that could cause enough concern to change his mind.
There was a collective sense of relief when the Commanders ended this long-running saga. But make no mistake, Daniels is more than qualified to spearhead this exciting new era for the franchise.
Despite the claims about Daniels not being too keen on joining the Commanders, he's relishing the prospect of getting this storied franchise off its knees and back to prominence. His electrifying playing style is something Washington's long-suffering fanbase hasn't had since Robert Griffin III took the league by storm. Hopefully, the coaching staff will manage his situation more effectively for long-term prosperity.
Daniels boasts the perfect blend of pocket presence and dual-threat dynamism. He's a nightmare to scheme against, which only adds to the level of fascination about what the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU could accomplish within Kliff Kingsbury's system.
There are concerns about Daniels' slender frame and how it might cope with the punishment associated with the NFL unless adjustments are made. The signal-caller is already working hard to bulk up gradually, although adding too much could limit what makes him great.
The Commanders will have a plan in place. Daniels is also confident that he's nowhere close to reaching his ceiling. That's a scary proposition and one that can ensure Washington becomes a genuine force for the first time in decades.
Grade: A
Some analysts have predicted Daniels will be the best quarterback in this class when it's all said and done. Every Commanders fan - whether they wanted the former Tiger or not - should be rooting for this to become a reality.