NFL analyst makes bold Commanders claim after the 2024 draft

Adam Peters hasn't been short of praise since the 2024 NFL Draft concluded. The general manager oversaw proceedings extremely well during his first selection process as the Washington Commanders' primary decision-maker. As a result, the team looks in good shape to make improvements during the upcoming campaign.

Players still have to produce. Having good grades immediately after the draft is all well and good, but everything has to come together when it matters most. It might not happen right away, but hopes are high this group of incoming college prospects can make their presence felt under the expert guidance of head coach Dan Quinn and his accomplished staff.

What the Commanders' ceiling might be next season is debatable. Some are taking a cautious approach to their newfound optimism, which is understandable. Others are boldly claiming that a potential postseason berth could be in the offing following a roster revamp of epic proportions throughout the first few months of Peters' tenure.

Commanders tipped for playoff push if 2024 NFL Draft excels

This topic was discussed by Bucky Brooks from NFL.com. He highlighted the culture shift being implemented by Peters - centering on finding players with the right leadership qualities - as something that could reap rewards. The respected analyst added that if the general manager's first draft class all manage to play their part, he could see the Commanders becoming surprise playoff challengers in 2024.

"Credit new general manager Adam Peters for revamping the team’s culture with a collection of experienced players bringing superb leadership skills. All nine of the Commanders’ draftees spent at least four years in college and seven were team captains. Though playing ability is prioritized in the evaluation process, the decision to add a group of young leaders is part of a long-term plan to eradicate the losing mentality within the locker room. If Jer’Zhan Newton and Mikey Sainristil also make their mark as potential Day 1 starters, and Jordan Magee, Dominique Hampton and Javontae Jean-Baptiste secure roles as backups/special teams standouts, the Commanders could emerge as a surprise playoff contender in Dan Quinn’s debut season."

This would be a dream scenario. However, tempering expectations initially represents the best approach.

It's been a long time since fans had a team to be proud of. The Commanders have been starved of success for so long thanks in large part to Dan Snyder's incompetence. Picking up the pieces was always going to take time - both on and off the field - but everything seems to be on the right path after decades of this once-proud franchise being almost left to rot.

Peters has made an early impact, but no more than that. He'll know better than anyone how much hard work is ahead and how much onus there is on Jayden Daniels becoming a success after becoming the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. If the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU excels, it's all systems go. If not, it'll derail these ambitious plans considerably.

Whether results improve next season or not, Peters has begun to lay stable foundations. After so much embarrassment and turbulence associated with the Commanders when Snyder held absolute power, this was always going to be the primary offseason objective above all else.

Anything other than that would be a bonus.