With the first 18 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft set at the end of the regular season, many NFL fanbases are turning their attention to the NFL Draft. Mock draft season is underway, with executives and fans hoping for their next up-and-coming superstar.
This mock draft will dive into the Washington Commanders, who will pick second (barring a trade) after a fierce battle for the pick between them and New England. This mock draft was constructed using the PFN Mock Draft Simulator.
Washington Commanders 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The Washington Commanders currently hold eight selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. Those picks include two in the second round, putting the team in a commanding position ahead of the NFL’s annual selection event.
- Round 1, Pick 2: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
- Round 2, Pick 36: Patrick Paul, OT Houston
- Round 2, Pick 40: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
- Round 3, Pick 67: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
- Round 4, Pick 98: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
- Round 5, Pick 132: Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas
- Round 6, Pick 163: Javon Solomon, EDGE, Troy
- Round 7, Pick 194: Jason Henderson, LB, Old Dominion
Washington Commanders 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 2: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
New ownership, new coaching staff, and a new QB make this an exciting time for a Washington fan base desperate for hope.
Drake Maye is an elite quarterback prospect who is reminiscent of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. His arm talent, ability off-script, accuracy, and play under pressure will make a world of difference for this Washington offense.
Round 2, Pick 36: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Sam Howell was sacked way too often this season for anyone to be comfortable about a rookie quarterback being fine. While some, if not most, were on Howell, Washington’s starting tackle duo did allow 76 pressures this season. Both Leno and Wylie are also set to hit free agency as well, giving Washington the opportunity to refresh their tackle spots.
Patrick Paul is an elite athlete who is still learning the position, but he boasts excellent upside with his movement skills.
Round 2, Pick 40: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Washington has fielded the worst passing defense in the NFL this year, and its corner room has been the biggest culprit. To make matters worse, Kendall Fuller is a pending free agent in the offseason. The Commanders should invest early and often into that unit by nabbing Kamari Lassiter.
MORE: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Lassiter isn’t an elite athlete, but he makes up for it with great awareness in coverage and ball skills. On a defense riddled with coverage busts this season, Lassiter would be a welcome addition.
Round 3, Pick 67: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
After the team traded away both Chase Young and Montez Sweat, Washington’s pass rushers mustered just 43 combined pressures and two sacks the rest of the season. Jonathan Allen was the team’s only consistent threat, something that evidently frustrated him to no end. Time to fix that.
A powerful and technical pass rusher, Chris Braswell collapses pockets with ease and can win in a variety of ways. He isn’t the most bendy pass rusher in the draft, but his game is reminiscent of Everson Griffen.
Round 4, Pick 98: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
The Commanders will likely have Curtis Samuel departing in free agency, leaving an open spot for a new playmaker to step into their wide receiver room. Ainias Smith is a weapon in the open field and a threat to score with the ball in his hands. The Commanders could manufacture a variety of ways to get him in space out of the slot while Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin win outside.
Round 5, Pick 132: Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas
It’s imperative the Commanders invest in protecting Drake Maye as much as possible. Sam Cosmi locked down the right guard spot, but their left guard spot was a bit of a revolving door. Puni is an impressive athlete who can step right in and lock that spot down to keep Maye as clean as possible.
Round 6, Pick 163: Javon Solomon, EDGE, Troy
Adding more to help replenish their depleted pass rush would be a prudent decision for Washington, considering the results of that unit. Solomon is a tad undersized, but he is quick off the line of scrimmage and flashes good bend to turn the corner. He would be a great rotational pass rusher for the team to work in and boosts their depth immensely.
Round 7, Pick 194: Jason Henderson, LB, Old Dominion
With three linebackers who played over 300 snaps set to hit free agency and question marks remaining over the rest of that unit, Washington should invest in bolstering the depth of their linebacker corps.
Henderson tied for first place in tackles for loss among all FBS defenders and recorded a whopping 13.6 tackles per game. Better yet, his 4.7% broken+missed tackle rate was eighth-lowest among all FBS defenders. A sure tackler and physical presence would give Washington’s interior a boost.