One bold prediction for every Commanders draft pick in 2024
By Dean Jones
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
- Secures 50 catches for 450 receiving yards.
The Washington Commanders added to their wide receiver options by taking Luke McCaffrey at No. 100 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's still learning the position, but the upside is enormous based on his athleticism and upward trajectory since transitioning from a quarterback in college.
Washington didn't do much to strengthen their wide receiver options in free agency despite losing Curtis Samuel to the Buffalo Bills. This provides the former Rice star with a chance to accumulate targets immediately if everything goes according to plan this summer.
There is a lot of work ahead and some polishing to do. But he's got a strong work ethic and seems highly motivated to follow in the footsteps of his father Ed McCaffrey, and brother Christian McCaffrey.
Earning the confidence of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is the first objective. If McCaffrey does this and earns the starting slot position right out of the gate, achieving 50 catches for 450 receiving yards is a bold but potentially attainable prediction.
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT
- Becomes long-term left tackle option.
After failing to trade back into the first round for one of the premium offensive tackle prospects, the Washington Commanders bided their time before taking Brandon Coleman at No. 67 overall. While his production in college was nothing short of outstanding, there are concerns about whether his lack of genuine length can evolve into a blindside force at the next level.
Coleman has the athleticism and technique to potentially make a Day 1 impression. The size issue dictates he might be suited to interior responsibilities long-term, but the Commanders are going to give him a legitimate shot at becoming the starting left tackle in 2024.
This will be one of the more intriguing things to watch throughout the offseason. The Commanders have enough financial resources to pick up another veteran offensive tackle if Adam Peters feels like Coleman needs more time. There's also a chance the former TCU star picks things up quickly and demonstrates enough quality to become the franchise left tackle Washington's craved since Trent Williams was inexplicably traded to the San Francisco 49ers.
It's a big ask, but not impossible by any stretch of the imagination.