The balance of power in the NFL is continually changing, and a successful draft could potentially propel the Washington Commanders back into the playoffs in 2024.
Despite ending the season in last place in the NFC East, the Washington Commanders have the potential to secure a playoff spot in 2024 through a robust draft performance.
The Washington Commanders have reset their approach following a turbulent period, entering the draft without a set starting quarterback but holding six picks within the top 100 selections. With Caleb Williams widely considered the top choice by the Chicago Bears, the Commanders must weigh their options among prospects such as Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy. The upcoming draft is sure to attract significant attention, particularly towards Washington’s choices.
Discovering the ideal match at the quarterback position
The NFL draft plays a significant role in determining a player’s success in the league. Recent examples like Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff highlight how quarterbacks selected first overall may need to navigate through multiple team changes.
While landing the right quarterback can expedite a team’s rebuilding process, a misstep in this crucial decision can set a team back for years. For Washington, their playoff aspirations hinge on securing the perfect quarterback fit.Washington’s new offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, brings experience from a college air-raid system and a track record of orchestrating high-powered offenses.
Given his background, Kingsbury may lean towards a prospect like Daniels, known for his impressive performance at LSU, particularly in deep-ball accuracy and mobility outside the pocket.The potential synergy between Washington and Daniels appears promising. Daniels excelled at LSU with future NFL receivers, and in Washington, the talents of Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin await to be fully utilized. Both Dotson and McLaurin have yet to play with a top-tier quarterback in the NFL, underscoring the critical importance of finding the right quarterback fit for Washington’s success.
Strengthen the pass rush
Following a prolonged period of drafting for the defensive line, Washington enters the draft with this as a top priority. The addition of Dorrance Armstrong and the potential growth of Clelin Ferrell under Dan Quinn provide positive prospects. However, the team still lacks a dynamic edge rusher, necessitating the use of the draft to secure a quality edge rusher.The 2024 NFL Draft features limited blue-chip edge rushers, making the Commanders’ task more challenging.
With two picks in the second round, Washington could consider trading back into the first round to secure an edge player they highly value. Chop Robinson and Laiatu Latu are potential options to strengthen the defense. Given the importance of rushing the passer in the NFL, the Commanders must prioritize upgrading this unit through the draft to enhance their playoff chances.
Continue to build the cornerback position
In 2023, Washington selected Emmanuel Forbes in the first round, but his undersized stature and struggles as a rookie have left the team seeking improvements in their pass defense, which conceded the most aerial yards in 2023 (per ESPN stats). Although Jeremy Chinn’s addition at safety and Noah Igbinoghene’s acquisition offer some assistance, the team still requires a blue-chip cornerback for their defense.
To secure an elite cornerback in the draft, Washington may need to trade back into the first round.The 2024 cornerback group is considered deep and intriguing, with players like Max Melton and Kalen King potentially being day-two targets for Washington.
King had a subpar year but has the potential to thrive under the right guidance, while Melton possesses the physical attributes to become an NFL starter. With new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., who previously coached in Dallas and extracted numerous turnovers from his secondary, the Commanders have the potential to significantly improve their defense through the draft and make a playoff push.
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