Big changes are on the horizon for the Commanders. The new ownership may be showing head coach Ron Rivera the door after a dismal season. Before 2023, Washington had three consecutive seasons of close to .500 ball where they were in the playoff picture. After just 4-5 this season, the Commanders enter the 2024 NFL Draft with clear goals for each selection.

Pick No. 2 – Caleb Williams – USC QB

The Commanders have struggled to find a quality QB since Kirk Cousins. Sam Howell has done a decent job this season, but ultimately not the style of QB to play in Bieniemy’s system. He regressed and got benched this season. He’s been referred to as the next Patrick Mahomes and would help a struggling team become a contender. Any new regime at coach will look to find a new QB to lead the way. Williams would be the perfect candidate for whoever takes over as coach next season.

Pick No. 36 – Kingsley Suamataia – BYU OT

The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder only surrendered two sacks in his time with BYU. He had earned himself a pass-blocking grade of 83.2 per Pro Football Focus. He’s not as good of a run-blocker as he is with pass-blocking. Though, with an agile QB like Caleb Williams that wouldn’t be an issue.

Pick No. 41 – Ja’Tavion Sanders – Texas TE

As of now, Sanders is the second-best tight-end prospect heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, the Commanders aren’t desperate at the position. However, an upgrade in terms of a young TE would be helpful. He would provide some consistency to the passing game. Texas underutilized him as a weapon in their loss to Washington. Sanders is a polished route-runner with the ability to create separation with sharp cuts and impressive body positioning. He makes tough catches look easy and would be a perfect target for Williams if they could land both.

Pick No. 67 – Sedrick Van Pran – Georgia IOL

The Commanders need some help on the Offensive line, more specifically at the center position. Van Pran could help sure up some of those problems. With the potential of a new franchise QB coming out of the college ranks, it makes sense to pair him with one of the best centers in this years draft. He’s been a key cog on the line for Georgia for several seasons now. He holds his own in pass protection and carves up solid lanes on running plays. He’s exceptional prior to the snap as he makes sure that everyone is on the same page.

Pick No. 100 – Tate Ratledge – Georgia IOL

The Commanders could right back to their friends in Georgia for a second offensive lineman. Ensuring that a franchise QB is protected is key for long-term success. We’ve seen what the opposite has done to quarterbacks like Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. With two former Bulldogs on the line, there’s no doubt that they’d be on the same page.

Pick No. 102 – Marist Liufau – Notre Dame LB

As a senior, Liufau collected 44 solo takles. The Commanders could deploy him on the outside which would essentially allow him to be an extra defensive end. They need players in both areas, so why not sure up the outside front seven with one player. As a pass rusher, he produced 26 total pressures, which included 17 QB hurries, 4 QB hits, and 5 sacks on the year.

Pick No. 138 – Ainias Smith – Texas A&M WR

The Commanders could do a lot of revamping in the passing game. Outside of Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, nobody met their expectations. Jahan Dotson will get another shot but everyone else could be moved with little to no fanfare attached. He could be a decent receiver in the NFL. He has an explosive burst and has the speed to cover the field. He’s very creative in his run routes and can get open. He could be inserted into the slot or as a kick return option.

Pick No. 179 – Chau Smith-Wade – Washington State CB

The Commanders secondary got burnt several times this season. Smith-Wade was good in coverage. He held quarterbacks to an average 71.3 passer rating when they targeted him. A guy like Smith-Wade, who has a knack for the ball is exactly what the Commanders need in the 2024 NFL Draft when it comes to the corner. The only two major problems that he has are he gets grabby downfield and he needs to develop a better vision for pass routes.

Pick No. 219 – Cedric Johnson – Ole Miss Defensive End

If he falls here, it would be a perfect opportunity to draft that edge rusher. Johnson is quick on the outside and flashes violent hands to get through to the QB. He has an explosive first step that can turn into power. As a pass rusher, he tallied 34 total pressures, which included 26 QB hurries, 4 QB hits, and 4 sacks on the season.

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