11mo
Photo: Richmond Times Dispatch
The Washington Commanders finished 2023 with a disappointing 4-13 season. The defense was arguably the worst in the league, allowing the most points and passing yards per game. They traded starting quarterback Sam Howell to Seattle in the off-season, but have the #2 overall pick of the draft and by all indications, they will use that pick on a top rookie quarterback. They have (9) picks overall in this draft and will need each one to fill the many holes on their roster.
Round 1- Pick (2)
With Caleb Williams off the board to Chicago, the Commanders will select LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with their 2nd overall pick. The Commanders are high on Daniels, although Draft Nation prefers Drake Maye here at the #2 spot. Daniels has a higher ceiling but a lower floor and has a greater chance to bust than Maye does. The Commanders gave up 65 sacks last season and although they have added some pieces to the line, Daniels will take his share of lumps in year one.
Round 2- Pick (36)
The Commanders offensive line was torched last season and had trouble moving the ball. With their franchise quarterback selected they will now look for an offensive tackle to help shore up the line. They will select tackle Jordan Morgan from Arizona. Morgan has had some first round grades and Washington is ecstatic he is there at #36.
Round 2- Pick (40)
The Commanders obtained this pick from Chicago in the Montez Sweat trade last season and have 3 of the top 40 picks in the draft. The Commanders pass defense was the worst in football in 2023 giving up 262.2 yards per contest and they lost cornerback Kendall Fuller to free agency. With the deep cornerback class, Washington selects T.J. Tampa from Iowa State. Tampa is a talented cornerback who can step right in.
Round 3- Pick (67)
The Commanders traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young during the season last year and look to add a young piece to their defensive end position. Jonah Elliss had a phenomenal season last year at Utah, recording 12 sacks in just 10 games before an injury ended his season. The Commanders scoop him up with their first of 3 picks in the 3rd round and start to add some youth to the defensive line.
Round 3- Pick (78)
Washington obtained this pick from the Seattle Seahawks in the Sam Howell trade this off-season. The Commanders have Terry McLaurin at wide receiver but lack a true #2. They have Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Dynami Brown, but none of those players have taken the reins to become a true starter. They lost Curtis Samuel to free agency and will replace him with North Carolina Devontez Walker. Walker has some upside and is a nice pick at #78.
Round 3- Pick (100)
The wheeling and dealing Commanders obtained this pick from the San Francisco 49ers in the Chase Young deal last season. Washington adds to their offensive line with Dominick Puni from Kansas. Puni is a guard who has played tackle and his versatility will come in handy for Washington.
Round 5- Pick (139)
At this point in the draft, Washington has touched on all of their big needs and now look to add depth. At tight end they have Zach Ertz, John Bates, and Cole Turner. They select Jaheim Bell out of Florida State who can add some versatility to the offense. Bell, alongside new starting running back Austin Ekeler, can add a couple wrinkles for defensive coordinator’s to prepare for.
Round 5- Pick (152)
This was also acquired in the Sam Howell trade with Seattle. Washington will add to their secondary once again, this time at safety, selecting Tykee Smith from Georgia. Smith has some playmaking ability that is much needed in the Commanders secondary.
Round 7- Pick (222)
Washington added Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu to their linebacker group during free agency but could use some depth at the position. They select Tyrice Knight out of UTEP to add the needed depth and a possible special teams player. Knight is an athletic body who is an above average tackler.
Overall
Washington has 9 picks and in this mock they got some high end talent to help fill some serious holes. Jayden Daniels, Jordan Morgan and T.J. Tampa could step right in and start. With 9 picks, Draft Nation would not be shocked to see Washington package their 2nd and a couple of their 3rd rounders to jump back into the first round if a player they really like is still there.
Marc Dykton4d
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