Adam Peters has transformed the Washington Commanders. The general manager knew there was a tremendous amount of hard work ahead. He knew this project needed drastic measures immediately. The respected front office leader improved the infrastructure and completely shifted the mindset within the building in one fell swoop.
One of the biggest flaws of Ron Rivera's four-year stint as head coach was his failure to identify the correct college prospects. It was a constant stream of failed high-end draft selections. Aside from a couple of rare gems in the later rounds, it was largely underwhelming after that. The fact Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - who is hanging by a thread - is the only first-round pick left from his era speaks volumes.
Peters navigated his first draft exceptionally well. He moved up and down the board when opportunities arose, leaving nothing to chance and always keeping the bigger picture in mind. He trusted his colleagues and their evaluations - something that's played a leading role in the team's jaw-dropping renaissance over the first half of 2024.
With this in mind, we took a look at how Peters' first rookie class has fared so far and graded each prospect at the midseason point.
Re-grading Commanders 2024 draft class at the midseason point
Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE/OLB
- Round No. 7 | No. 222 overall
The Washington Commanders ended their first draft under Adam Peters by taking a flier on Javontae Jean-Baptiste. His athletic traits were something those in power thought could be molded into something more. It was always going to be a development project than anything else, but the early signs were promising nonetheless.
Jean-Baptiste outperformed former first-round pick Jamin Davis, who was released after failing to make a successful transition to the edge-rushing spot. This was a supreme vote of confidence in the rookie, who wasted no time in repaying the faith shown in him by the coaching staff.
The Notre Dame product gained one sack and four pressures from 36 percent of the team's defensive snaps. His encouraging 73.4 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 22nd out of 192 qualifying edge defenders to further raise encouragement.
- Original draft grade: B+
- Midseason draft grade: A
Getting this much production so quickly from a seventh-round pick is highly encouraging. Jean-Baptiste's impressive start was halted by a trip to injured reserve with an ankle issue. Hopefully, this doesn't dent his overall outlook and the first-year pro can pick up where he left off once medically cleared to resume football activities.
Dominique Hampton - Commanders S/LB
- Round No. 5 | No. 161 overall
Dominique Hampton was an accomplished safety during his college career with the Washington Huskies. This was a crowded position group, which quickly saw the coaching staff shift gears and start listing the rookie as a linebacker.
This was a challenging transition for Hampton. He caught the eye briefly during the preseason and made the 53-man roster. However, the Washington Commanders are taking their time with the player given how many times he's been a healthy scratch throughout the campaign.
The Commanders are well stocked at the defensive second level. Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner have been a revelation. Dante Fowler Jr. is emerging into an outstanding pass-rusher within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme. Jordan Magee's return from injury is another boost to the team's overall depth.
- Original draft grade: B
- Midseason draft grade: Incomplete
Hampton was a late-round pick. They don't always work out, so nurturing his potential without giving him too much in the way of defensive responsibilities was a smart call by those in power. That doesn't make his evaluation any easier, so it'll be interesting to see if he's involved later in the campaign with expectations around the organization rising rapidly.
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
- Round No. 5 | No. 139 overall
There was a tremendous amount of intrigue surrounding Jordan Magee after the fifth-round linebacker made a phenomenal start to his time in Washington. He stood out considerably over early workouts and the same trend continued throughout training camp. Unfortunately for the player, a knee issue suffered in the preseason halted his ever-growing momentum.
Magee was placed on injured reserve after having a minor procedure. This was a blow, to a certain extent. However, he was always going to be a long-term project considering the presence of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu at the defensive second level.
The Temple product is back on the squad, featuring over the last two games. Magee is making a considerable impact on special teams, which could be the right formula in the coming weeks until he fully acclimatizes to his NFL surroundings in a competitive setting.
- Original draft grade: B+
- Midseason draft grade: Incomplete
It's hard to get a good feel of what Magee could or couldn't be considering he's missed so much time. His physicality and athleticism have flashed as a special teamer, but it would be unfair to project anything one way or another.
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
- Round No. 3 | No. 100 overall
Luke McCaffrey's been a tricky evaluation up to now. If one looked specifically at the statistics, it's a minimal contribution. Further examination of the game film tells a different story.
The third-round pick has brought in 12 receptions from 13 targets for 111 receiving yards this season. That's not a great return, although one look at the wideout's separation rates from week to week indicates that more opportunities could be in the offing over the second half of 2024.
McCaffrey's route running is crisp. He's got a good feel for spatial awareness versus zone defenses and has enough explosiveness to manipulate opposing cornerbacks in man coverage situations. He's been a decoy of sorts up to now - something that could change after proving his dependability in the passing game.
- Original draft grade: B
- Midseason draft grade: B+
It's an extremely small sample size in terms of targets for McCaffrey. However, he's doing all the little things well, including blocking effectively from the perimeter on running plays. If the same trend continues, he'll eventually become a focal point of Kliff Kingsbury's offensive strategy.
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT
- Round No. 3 | No. 67 overall
The Commanders desperately needed to find a stable left tackle capable of providing long-term assurance. General manager Adam Peters reportedly wanted to trade back into the first round for one of the more heralded prospects. He couldn't find a willing suitor, which left him searching a little lower down the pecking order for someone of interest.
Brandon Coleman was the choice at No. 67 overall. Many analysts thought he was better suited to the guard positions despite an exceptional college career manning the blindside at TCU. The Commanders saw him as an edge protector. They were correct.
Coleman split time with Cornelius Lucas, which was a masterstroke by the coaching staff. This allowed him to get comfortable gradually. When the veteran went down through injury before Week 9, the rookie got a chance to impose himself fully and thrived versus stud New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns.
- Original draft grade: B
- Midseason draft grade: A+
This looks like a home-run hit by the Commanders. Coleman's run blocking is matched by superb pass protection. Considering he's only going to improve further with more development under offensive line coach Bobby Johnson, it seems like Peters found a franchise left tackle in the third round.
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
- Round No. 2 | No. 53 overall
It's been a long time since the tight-end position was an area of strength. Logan Thomas was serviceable enough, but it's clear that a fresh start was needed. Thankfully, the exciting new Washington Commanders' regime recognized this too.
The Commanders are getting a significant amount from the position in 2024. Zach Ertz's career renaissance is astonishing. John Bates is emerging into one of the league's best blocking tight ends. Washington also drafted Ben Sinnott at No. 53 overall, who's been brought along gradually but is showing promise.
Sinnott's role hasn't been as large as some anticipated before the campaign. Ertz's exceptional start has a lot to do with it, but 32 percent of offensive snaps indicate the Commanders wanted this to be a work in progress rather than an immediate difference-maker.
- Original draft grade: A
- Midseason draft grade: B+
The former Kansas State sensation remains an encouraging piece for the future. Unless Ertz or Bates go down with injuries, Sinnott's role will remain the same throughout his rookie campaign. Even so, he's proven capable of stepping in at a moment's notice and producing the goods when his number is called.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
- Round No. 2 | No. 50 overall
The Commanders didn't take long to turn in their card when Mike Sainristil was there for the taking at No. 50 overall. Washington's defense was in desperate need of cornerback assistance after Emmanuel Forbes Jr. went through significant complications as a rookie. The new regime believed this was the sort of high-quality presence that could step in and make an immediate impact.
Sainristil was initially projected to be the team's starting nickel cornerback. Plans quickly changed once the outside options began to flounder.
The former Michigan star stepped up to the plate, shifting spots with minimal fuss. Sainristil's gone through some growing pains as expected. However, the player is growing in stature with every passing game, gaining confidence, and proving his worth as a sound tackler who can get wideouts off their routes despite his lack of legitimate length.
- Original draft grade: A
- Midseason draft grade: A
Washington traded for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the deadline. This should enable Sainristil to occupy the nickel role where he became so accomplished during his time with the Wolverines. But wherever he lines up, the Commanders have a tremendous player on their hands.
Johnny Newton - Commanders DT
- Round No. 2 | No. 36 overall
The Washington Commanders couldn't believe their luck when Johnny Newton fell into their laps at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Injuries and questions about his run defense cause someone projected to be a potential top-15 choice to fall out of the first round entirely. It was a nervous wait, especially for head coach Dan Quinn, but luck fell in the team's favor.
Newton's offseason was hindered by foot complications. The Commanders erred on the side of caution and rightfully so. However, they had no choice but to throw him in at the deep end once veteran lineman Jonathan Allen went out with a season-ending torn pectoral.
The former Illinois star answered the call. Newton's produced to a high standard. He is developing quickly into an outstanding interior rusher and doesn't look out of place whatsoever. It's not perfect just yet, but one cannot be anything other than impressed by the way he's gone about his business.
- Original draft grade: A
- Midseason draft grade: A
This was projected as a long-term investment - someone who could potentially take over Allen's mantle over time. It's happened much sooner than the coaching staff planned, but Newton looks like a potential cornerstone piece based on his initial efforts.
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
- Round No. 1 | No. 2 overall
Hopes were high that Jayden Daniels could eventually become a franchise quarterback. Nobody expected this to happen in such a short timeframe.
Daniels immediately made his presence felt. His exceptional work ethic throughout the offseason won the respect of veteran teammates. His flawless poise under center kept everyone composed in the most crucial moments. The Heisman Trophy winner also came through when it counted over the first half of 2024.
This is better than even those in power anticipated. Daniels and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are a match made in heaven. He's finding different ways to win and finds himself in the conversation with other elite quarterbacks around the league. It's a remarkable opening to his pro career that shows no signs of slowing down.
- Original draft grade: A
- Midseason draft grade: A++
Daniels is a superstar. He's got every intangible associated with sustainably successful signal-callers at the next level. Players, coaches, and fans believe they have a chance in any game thanks to his mere presence under center. The former LSU standout's elite-level mindset to keep pushing forward and remain focused amid the ongoing adulation is only raising expectations.