Adam Peters was loaded with 2024 draft picks heading into his first year as general manager (GM) of the Washington Commanders after the team traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. And with new head coach Dan Quinn in tow, it marks the start of a new era in the DMV.
Washington Commanders Draft Picks by Round in 2024
- Round 1, Pick 2
Jayden Daniels, QB | LSU - Round 2, Pick 36
Johnny Newton, DT | Illinois - Round 2, Pick 50 (from PHI through NO)
Mike Sainristil, CB | Michigan - Round 2, Pick 53 (from PHI)
Ben Sinnott, TE | Kansas State - Round 3, Pick 67
Brandon Coleman, G | TCU - Round 3, Pick 100 (from SF)
Luke McCaffrey, WR | Rice
- Round 5, Pick 139
Jordan Magee, LB | Temple - Round 5, Pick 161 (from PHI through Tb)
Dominique Hampton, S | Washington
- Round 7, Pick 222
Javontae Jean-Baptiste, EDGE | Notre Dame
Who Did the Commanders Draft in 2024?
Jayden Daniels, QB, Round 1, Pick 2
Daniels’ Heisman-winning 2023 campaign was a microcosm of his big-play ability. He’s an incredible pure rushing threat with his speed, burst, agility, and bend at his size, and he’s also a deep ball merchant with impressive leverage ID skills and deadly downfield touch.
The #Commanders find their franchise QB in Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. 🔥#HTTC | #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/N8TuqEdzxW
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 26, 2024
But within the confines of traditional QB expectations, Daniels brings plenty to like as well. He’s an instinctive pocket navigator with an active base and sharp pressure senses, an able processor who can progress through reads, and a quality decision-maker who doesn’t often put the ball in harm’s way.
Johnny Newon, DT, Round 2, Pick 36
After trading both Montez Sweat and Chase Young last season, the Commanders needed some pass rushing help along their defensive line. Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton was viewed by some as the top defensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings ranked Newton as the 12th overall player in his final player rankings. Therefore, the Commanders got an absolute steal with the No. 36 overall selection.
“Johnny Newton is a versatile two-phase disruptor whose penchant for production should only persist in the NFL,” Cummings said. “He bears a lot of similarities to former five-time Pro Bowler and second-team Jurrell Casey, and he has the same kind of all-league upside.”
Mike Sainristil, CB, Round 2, Pick 50
After watching the secondary get torched last season, Washington knew it was time to invest in that area. The Commanders selected Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil with the No. 50 overall selection. Sainristil will be a tone-setter in Washington’s reshaped secondary.
KEEP READING: Commanders 2024 NFL Draft Grades
Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings discussed Sainristil’s unique combination of athletic ability and a physical mentality in his scouting report.
“As an operator, Mike Sainristil strings together his athletic gifts and tenacious mentality with next-level smarts, keen route identification skills, spatial awareness, reaction to stimulus, and discipline. And with his penchant for positioning, he can capitalize with WR-esque ball skills.”
Ben Sinnott, TE, Round 2, Pick 53
The Commanders signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz earlier this offseason but they are lacking a long-term option at the position. Washington addressed that need by selecting Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott with the No. 53 overall selection.
Sinnott should immediately contribute as a reliable target for Jayden Daniels. Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings discussed Sinnott’s potential in his scouting report.
“Ben Sinnott profiles as a high-floor TE prospect with TE2 utility immediately in his NFL career,” Cummings said. “And although he doesn’t quite have elite athletic upside, the ability is there to be a quality starter and TE1, with the usage versatility to thrive in modern offenses and be an asset on every down.”
Brandon Coleman, OL, Round 3, Pick 67
The Commanders continue to focus on adding pieces around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. Washington selected TCU offensive lineman Brandon Coleman with the No. 67 overall selection in the third round.
Coleman is a versatile, athletic freak with a ton of potential. Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings discussed Coleman’s skillset in his scouting report.
“With his natural leverage acquisition, high-octane athleticism, complete power profile, strength, and ability to stay square, Brandon Coleman can be an early NFL starter at guard, and he has true scheme-versatile impact-starter upside if he can build on his foundation.”
Luke McCaffrey, WR, Round 3, Pick 100
In an ironic turn of events, the Commanders selected Christian McCaffrey’s brother with a pick that originally belonged to the San Francisco 49ers. Washington selected Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey with the No. 100 overall selection in the third round.
Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings discussed McCaffrey’s skillset in his scouting report. “Luke McCaffrey has the physical profile and raw movement abilities to be a consistent separator out of the slot in the NFL,” Cummings said.
“His foot quickness, plus-level acceleration, and ball skills paired with a nice size and speed profile give offensive coordinators plenty to work with when McCaffrey arrives for his rookie season.”
Jordan Magee, LB, Round 5, Pick 139
The Commanders selected Temple linebacker Jordan Magee with the No. 139 overall selection in the fifth round. Magee is one of the most athletic linebacker prospects in this year’s draft class. Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings discussed Magee’s skillset in his scouting report.
“Possessing a modern LB build, Jordan Magee looks and moves like an NFL defender,” Cummings said. “He isn’t an overly strong player and can be slow sifting through the trash at the second level, but his athleticism and versatility will catch attention.”
Dominique Hampton, S, Round 5, Pick 161
Washington continues to add weapons to their defense on day three. The Commanders selected Washington safety Dominique Hampton with the No. 161 overall selection in the fifth round.
Following the departure of Kamren Curl, Hampton could push for the starting job in Washington. Hampton offers an impressive athletic profile and absurd size for the position. It will be interesting to see how he is used by Commanders head coach Dan Quinn.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste, EDGE, Round 7, Pick 222
The Commanders focused on the defensive side of the ball on day three. Washington selected Notre Dame edge defender Javontae Jean-Baptiste with the No. 222 overall selection in the seventh round. Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings discussed Jean-Baptiste’s skillset in his scouting report.
“Javontae Jean-Baptiste sets the edge in run defense and turned it on as a pass rusher down the stretch last season,” Cummings said. “He isn’t overly dynamic as an athlete but has room to grow technically.”