Boasting the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders sort of hold the cards for how the rest of the top-ten selections could play out. But expectations are that the Commanders will stay put and make LSU’s Jayden Daniels the No. 2 overall pick, making him the franchise quarterback in Washington.
After that? It’s a crapshoot for the next 30 picks in the first round. For Commanders fans, they’re currently expected to have to wait until the 36th overall pick, or the fourth selection on Day 2 of the NFL Draft before Washington adds another prospect to the roster.
Yet, Sportskeeda’s NFL insider Tony Pauline suggests the Commanders could change those plans by trading back into the end of the first round on Thursday night.
“One of the more interesting rumors, and one with justification, has the Washington Commanders moving into the back end of Round 1, presumably from pick number 36, to select an offensive tackle, namely Jordan Morgan. This makes almost too much sense for it not to happen, as the Commanders have five additional picks in the top 100 selections after the second overall choice.”
“There is also a drop-off at the offensive tackle spot after the top eight players at the position. The argument will likely come down to trading into the back end of Round 1 to secure Morgan versus staying pat and selecting Patrick Paul of Houston with the 36th pick.”
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda on Washington Commanders’ draft rumors
With the Commanders set to pick a quarterback with their first selection, getting some protection for their new quarterback makes a lot of sense. As Pauline notes, the offensive tackle class is deep, but there is a certain drop-off that could leave the Commanders without a starting-caliber option later on.
Moving up to get the offensive line prospect Washington covets would be wise before he’s off the board. With six selections in the top 100 picks, the Commanders have plenty of ammo to move up. Now we’ll just have to see if Commanders GM Adam Peters finds a deal to his liking.
Related: Final 2024 NFL mock draft: Full 3-round 2024 NFL Draft projections with trades