Ranking every Commanders pick from the 2024 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
4. Brandon Coleman - Commanders OL
- Offensive Line | TCU Horned Frogs
- Round No. 3 | No. 67 overall
If Brandon Coleman ends up being a franchise left tackle capable of providing blindside assurance long-term, he'll end up being much higher on this list. It will also be a masterstroke of epic proportions from general manager Adam Peters after failing to find a willing trade partner to get the Washington Commanders back into the first round.
The jury is still out on that one. While Coleman's production manning the edge at TCU was nothing short of outstanding, many wonder whether his lack of genuine length could provide complications at the next level. Most analysts believe he'll be better suited to interior responsibilities, but the Commanders will have a plan in place for every eventuality.
Coleman is an assured pass protector with exceptional lateral mobility. There is work to do with hand placement and playing a little too high in his stance, but the physical intangibles suggest he can become a factor quickly if improvements arrive throughout his first offseason before the 2024 campaign.
3. Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
- Cornerback | Michigan Wolverines
- Round No. 2 | No. 50 overall
The Washington Commanders had a big need at the cornerback position after Kendall Fuller departed in free agency for the Miami Dolphins. Those in power acted quickly to land what Nick Saban proclaimed was the best pound-for-pound player in this year's class.
Mike Sainristil was the heart and soul of Michigan's defense en route to a well-deserved college football national championship triumph. He's undersized at 5-foot-9, but he more than makes up for this with athleticism, football IQ, and instincts capable of making his presence felt immediately.
The Commanders plan on making Sainristil a slot option in the STAR cornerback role. That's where he's best suited and thrived with the Wolverines, especially considering how well he can mix it up against the run despite not being the biggest defensive back to ever grace the league.
Sainristil was tipped by many to be a borderline first-round pick after impressing considerably throughout the assessment process. This could be a high-value selection - one that could provide instant assistance and an upgrade if everything goes well during the team's upcoming preparations.