The Washington Commanders enter the 2024 NFL Draft Thursday night with nine picks over the three-day event.
The new era of Commanders football is going next level. After refreshing the decision-makers by hiring general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn, and revamping the roster with over 20 new free agents, the core pieces are coming to town.
The Commanders have six selections in the top 100, headlined by the No. 2 pick, which is expected to become a quarterback. Which one? LSU’s Jayden Daniels is the presumptive favorite. We’ll know for sure Thursday evening, along with whether Washington trades back into the first round for help at offensive tackle or the defense.
Keep returning here throughout the draft for analysis and grades for each Commanders selection.
Round 1
No. 2: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
How he fits
A little background on Daniels: A dazzling athlete, Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy going away. A true dual-threat quarterback, Daniels (6-3 1/2, 210 pounds) completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He also rushed for 1,134 yards (8.4 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns. While he flashed that ability in his previous seasons (three at Arizona State, one at LSU), Daniels took three steps forward in 2023.
Daniels will make some incredible plays as a rookie and perhaps have an impact like Robert Griffin III did for Washington in 2012. But at some point, Daniels will need to rely on his arm and not default to his legs to beat quality NFL defenses. That’s probably not a rookie-year measurement, but it will determine whether he’s Vince Young or Lamar Jackson. — Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Daniels is a smooth point guard from the pocket when his eyes stay on schedule, and his dazzling run skills make him a problem for defenses. This isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison, but NFL scouts say he forces opponents to defend him like Lamar Jackson.
Ben Standig’s analysis: Commanders draft Jayden Daniels: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Grade: A
GO DEEPER
NFL Draft 2024 Round 1 grades: Falcons, Broncos get Cs for Penix, Nix; Bears earn two A’s
Round 2
No. 36: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois
How he fits
A versatile and powerful interior pocket pusher who can play nose or three-tech, Newton showed dominant stretches of disruption at Illinois and was a first-rounder on a few boards this year. His impact wasn’t as consistent as you’d like and his length is less than ideal — meaning he’ll have to flash dominant power far more often. Washington really needs help up front. I like Newton. I’d have liked a tackle more. — Nick Baumgardner
Brugler’s analysis
Newton’s undersized, compact frame will be a turnoff for some teams. But he is tough to block one-on-one, because of his gap quickness, natural power and nose for the ball. He projects as a dependable starting three-technique in the NFL.
Standig’s analysis: Commanders draft Johnny Newton: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Grade: B
GO DEEPER
NFL Draft Rounds 2 and 3 grades: Rams reach for Fiske, Eagles earn A for DeJean
No. 50 (via Eagles): Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
How he fits
One of my favorite players in this class, Sainristil’s toughness and IQ are off-the-charts good, and his leadership is one-of-a-kind good. A major culture-changer at Michigan, Sainristil is small — but a good athlete who is very, very hard to fool. He’ll be a contributor on day one in Washington. While this fills a need, and Sainristil is a really fun prospect: The Commanders have to draft offensive line help at some point. Getting hard to stress this more. — Nick Baumgardner
Brugler’s analysis
Sainristil has obvious size limitations that will remove him from some teams’ draft boards, but other teams will be more than happy to bet on his outstanding toughness, instincts and ball skills. He will compete for immediate starting reps as a rookie nickel.
Standig’s analysis: Commanders draft Mike Sainristil: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Grade: B
No. 53 (via Eagles): Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State
How he fits
This has nothing to do with Sinnott, who is a salt-of-the-earth success story, going from walk-on to All-Big 12. A great blocking tight end. But the Commanders had three second-rounders, a huge need at offensive tackle and ignored it all three times. There are second-round-quality tackles there. Washington … what are you doing? — Scott Dochterman
Brugler’s analysis
Sinnott offers some blocking value, but his controlled athleticism and reliable pass-catching traits project him best as a versatile H-back who can be flexed across the formation. All 32 NFL teams will appreciate his football IQ and pro-ready toughness, although he won’t be an ideal fit for every scheme.
Standig’s analysis: Commanders draft Ben Sinnott: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Grade: D-minus
Round 3
No. 67: Brandon Coleman, OL, TCU
How he fits
It took far too long, but the Commanders finally landed an offensive tackle. A former junior college player, Coleman started 34 games at TCU, with 22 at left tackle. Blessed with long arms (34 7/8 inches) and good size (6-4 1/2, 313 pounds), Coleman might get pressed into service earlier than he’s ready. But he eventually can develop into a solid starting tackle. — Scott Dochterman
Brugler’s analysis
Coleman needs to improve his technical consistency, but his ease of movement, spatial awareness and length are the building blocks that offensive line coaches covet. He has the traits to stay outside at tackle while also offering position flexibility at guard.
Grade: B-plus
No. 100 (via 49ers)
Round 5
No. 139
No. 161 (via Eagles)
Round 7
No. 222
(Photo of Jayden Daniels: Kirby Lee / USA Today)
