One major concern with each Commanders 2024 NFL Draft pick

Commanders drafted Dominique Hampton

• Safety | Washington Huskies
• Round No. 5 | No. 161 overall

Dominique Hampton played six years for the University of Washington. His 57 career games are a program record. The Washington Commanders are getting a guy with experience. And he has the classic size and physicality to be an in-the-box safety.

Hampton can be a force in run support. Although he rarely did it in college, Dan Quinn will find ways to use him as a blitzer as well. The head coach no doubt sees at least a little bit of Kam Chancellor in the tall, athletic safety.

One of the things that made Chancellor so good was his coverage skills. For a big man, he developed both range and instincts to play deep zones. If he wasn’t the best, at least he was never a liability in coverage as some bigger safeties can be. This is what will determine Hampton’s value.

Very much like veteran free-agent signing Jeremy Chinn, we know Hampton can play close to the line. But can he cover deep zones?

Hampton was in his sixth and final season with the Huskies before recording his first interception. His pass-defense numbers were mundane until the 2023 season. During that final year, he began to show better instincts and recognition in coverage. The defensive back will need to continue to refine that if he hopes to be anything more than a situational defender and special teamer.

Commanders drafted Jordan Magee

• Linebacker | Temple Owls
• Round No. 5 | No. 139 overall

Is Jordan Magee the next Nick Bolton, or is he the next Khaleke Hudson?

He profiles closer to Hudson. Like Magee, the Commanders chose him in the fifth round. Both are somewhat undersized linebackers with good speed and agility. Hudson showed occasional flashes when given opportunities, but never developed into anything more than a special teamer and backup linebacker. He is now with the New Orleans Saints.

Bolton, who is less rangy but has a more powerful build, was a more highly-rated prospect and has proven to be a much better pro. Magee attacks the line in the same way and despite his thinner frame, boasts impressive athletic gifts. The real question is simply if he’s big and strong enough to become an every-down linebacker at the NFL level.

Others have done it, but it will be a challenge. Fortunately, he will have excellent mentors like Ken Norton, Bobby Wagner, and Frankie Luvu to learn from.