Ranking every Commanders pick from the 2024 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
8. Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
- Linebacker | Temple Owls
- Round No. 5 | No. 139 overall
There wasn't a desperate need for linebacking help during the 2024 NFL Draft, which is shocking when one considers how Ron Rivera failed to give any devoted attention to the defensive second level. This was thanks to the Washington Commanders bringing in two prominent starters and enhancing depth throughout free agency.
Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu represent an immediate upgrade. Anthony Pittman is an exceptional special teamer who could be a rotational asset with further refinement. There's also the possibility of deploying Jeremy Chinn closer to the line of scrimmage when opportunities arise.
Jordan Magee was a late-round pickup by the Commanders with some exciting athletic intangibles attached. He's a downfield threat against the run with speed and agility to close space quickly. The former Temple star is a little undersized, so what role he can carve out for himself remains to be seen.
This looks like a ready-made replacement for Khaleke Hudson initially. Whether Magee can do more to force his way into the team's plans sooner than expected will be dependent on his transition and how he fits into Dan Quinn's expansive scheme.
7. Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE/OLB
- Edge Rusher | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Round No. 7 | No. 222 overall
After the edge rushing position became a significant need for the Washington Commanders following the decision to trade Chase Young and Montez Sweat before the 2023 deadline, a plethora of additions in free agency eased the pressure on those in power heading into the draft. They did find a potential diamond in the rough later in the draft, with Javontae Jean-Baptiste coming into the fold with their final selection at No. 222 overall.
Jean-Baptiste flashed explosiveness during his time at Notre Dame. He's a little inexperienced technically, but there could be something there if the Commanders decide how best to utilize the outstanding athletic attributes at his disposal and stick to the plan.
The player does look a little undersized to be a defensive end in the pros. But if head coach Dan Quinn can mold Jean-Baptiste into a stand-up edge rusher capable of being deployed on blitz packages across the second level, they might be onto something.