The 2024 NFL combine begins Monday in Indianapolis, and the Washington Commanders will be front and center.
The Commanders have an owner (Josh Harris) who took in July, a new general manager (Adam Peters), a new head coach (Dan Quinn), the most cap space in the NFL, and hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Washington is expected to take a quarterback second overall and will likely decide between Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Williams is expected to go No. 1 overall to Chicago, so the choice should come down to Maye or Daniels.
In addition to the second overall pick, Washington has nine overall selections, including six of the first 103 selections.
We will learn a lot about several draft prospects at this week’s combine. But before the combine begins, using the PFF mock draft simulator, Commanders Wire did a seven-round mock draft for Washington.
Here are all nine picks.
Round 1, No. 2 overall: North Carolina QB Drake Maye
The Commanders get their guy. Maye has the size, athleticism, arm strength, intangibles and ceiling to be a long-term franchise quarterback.
Round 2, No. 36 overall: Arizona OT Jordan Morgan
The Commanders get value here in Morgan due to the depth of the offensive tackle class. In most drafts, Morgan probably lands in the first round. He has the size, experience and arm length to start at tackle for years. He could play either side at the next level.
Round 2, No. 40 overall: Texas TE Ja'Tavion Sanders
Ja’Tavion Sanders is a terrific prospect whose stock could soar with a strong performance at the NFL combine. Sanders was underused in college and is poised to be the second tight end taken in April’s draft. Don’t be surprised if he lands in the bottom half of the first round before everything is said and done. Sanders would be an excellent addition for the Commanders to pair with Maye.
Round 3, No. 67 overall: Washington EDGE Bralen Trice
Defensive end is expected to be a major focus for the Commanders this offseason. They could sign one in free agency and draft one high in the draft. To land Trice in the third round is a steal for Washington. Dan Quinn will love Trice’s motor and effort.
Round 3, No. 101 overall: Penn State CB Kalen King
There is a lot to like about Kalen King. Nothing stands out with King from a physical perspective (5-foot-11, 189), but he is a good athlete who is sticky in coverage and has plenty of big-time experience. A potential starting cornerback at pick No. 101 is good news for Washington.
Round 4, No. 103 overall: Kansas State G Cooper Beebe
Cooper Beebe is big (6-foot-4, 330), strong and has plenty of playing experience. Better athlete than you realize. Has played left guard and left tackle in college. Washington needs a left guard. Could the Commanders land two rookie offensive line starters in the draft?
Round 5, No. 138 overall: New Hampshire RB Dylan Laube
Perhaps no player helped himself more during Senior Bowl week than New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube. Laube put on a show in Mobile, and during his final college season, he rushed for 749 yards and caught 68 passes for 699. He had 16 total touchdowns. Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury would land a speedy playmaker to his offense and a perfect complement to starting RB Brian Robinson Jr.
Round 6, No. 181 overall: Missouri LB Ty'Ron Hopper
The Commanders will add linebackers this offseason. In the sixth round, they land Hopper, a physical and athletic player who is strong in coverage. He could also be a day-one star on special teams.
Round 7, No. 220 overall: TCU S Mark Perry
The Commanders land a talented safety who can also play in the slot. He has plenty of experience in five college seasons at two different Power 5 schools.
