www.thedraftnetwork.com
The Commanders started the 2023 season 2-0, and things were looking good. No one expected the Commanders to make a Super Bowl push, but they also weren’t supposed to finish 4-13. After the Commanders won their first two games, they would go on to lose 13 of their next 15.
Sam Howell struggled with turnovers, and the Commanders are keying in on a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. Overall, the Commanders have a good roster but still lack key players in important positions. With a good draft, the Commanders can vault themselves into playoff contention very soon. That said, let’s dive into what an ideal three-round mock draft would look like for the Commanders.
First-Round Pick: 2nd Overall
The pick: Caleb Williams, Quarterback, USC
Let me start by saying this mock draft was conducted on PFF. Although it’s the consensus for the Bears to take Caleb Williams, there’s a shot they won’t. In this mock draft, the Commanders are blessed with the opportunity to take Williams. Considering the Bears track record with quarterbacks, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they take Drake Maye.
At this point, we all know how good Williams is. Williams is the most talented passer in this draft. Williams possesses great arm talent, mobility and creativity outside the pocket. All these off-the-field issues don’t bother me one bit, and Williams should thrive from day one with the Commanders.
Ridiculous throw from USC QB Caleb Williams. pic.twitter.com/jk8pMdH8IH
Second-Round Pick: 36th Overall
The pick: Troy Fautanu, Offensive Tackle, Washington
The Commanders had a rough year in 2023, giving up the 2nd most sacks in the NFL (65). With the 36th pick, Troy Fautanu is one of the best players on the board and can help fill the Commanders offensive line need. Ideally, Fautanu would replace Cornelius Lucas, but the line needs help anywhere they can get it.
Fautanu is a phenomenal pass blocker, earning an 88.2 pass-block grade from PFF in 2023. Pass protection is what the Commanders struggled with last year, so Fautanu will be a massive boost. When you have a rookie quarterback, you simply can’t let him get sacked 65 times and expect good results. Although Fautanu only received a 61.9 run grade, but he can get to the second level quite well, which is a great building block.
Second-Round Pick: 40th Overall
The pick: Chop Robinson, Defensive End, Penn State
It’s not a mystery that the Commanders need pass rushers badly. Casey Toohill and James Smith-Williams are simply not going to cut it. Toohill and Smith-Williams both received PFF grades under 60 if you needed any more convincing. Again, Chop Robinson is not only a perfect fit but one of the best players on the board here.
One of my favorite prospects for the #Colts is Penn State DE Chop Robinson
Ridiculous athlete with an elite first step who never takes a play off.
Reminder come Mock Draft szn: The guy that’s everyone’s dream 2nd round pick ends up going way earlier pic.twitter.com/0N8f4wrAVa
Robinson has been dominant at Penn State, breaking out as a sophomore with five sacks, nine QB hits, and 34 hurries. When you look at the counting stats, Robinson may have taken a step back in 2023, but his PFF grade went up ever so slightly from 90.6 to 90.8. Robinson clearly excels as a pass rusher, getting a grade of 92.3 in 2023, which is exactly what the Commanders need. Robinson should thrive at the NFL level based on his athleticism, fantastic first step, and excellent power.
Third-Round Pick: 67th Overall
The pick: Jeremiah Trotter Jr, Linebacker, Clemson
The Commanders luck keeps rolling into the third round, where they pick up Jeremiah Trotter Jr at pick 67. Jamin Davis was solid in 2023, but other than that, the linebacker group was fairly disappointing. Looking at PFF, the Commanders didn’t have a single linebacker grade above a 70, which seems very accurate.
Trotter is considered a top-five linebacker in the 2024 class based on his all-around skill set. In 2023, Trotter had a 78.3 pass rush grade, an 80.4 run defense grade, and an 82 coverage grade. There’s really no way you can go wrong with Trotter, considering everything he brings to a defense. After seeing Trotter show off his speed, size, and athleticism at Clemson, the Commanders will be more than happy to grab him in round three.
Third-Round Pick: 100th Overall
The pick: Cade Stover, Tight end, Ohio State
Ideally, the Commanders would have been able to take Ja'Tavion Sanders at pick 67, but he ended up getting selected at pick 65. Although the tight end class isn’t great this year, Cade Stover is a solid player, and the Commanders need a tight end badly. Stover is being viewed as the TE3 in the 2024 rookie class, and Williams will need a better-receiving option than 32-year-old Logan Thomas.
Stover has a great frame, hands, and YAC ability, which will be a massive help for Williams. Stover caught 41 passes for 576 and five touchdowns, which doesn’t sound impressive at first, but keep in mind who his target competition was. Stover was playing with Marvin Harrison Jr and Emeka Egbuka. Stover was never going to be able to put up big numbers with this target competition and Kyle McCord at the helm.
Cade Stover chip… pic.twitter.com/9QFUrrugdr
2024 Washington Commanders 3 Round NFL Mock Draft
2024 Simulated 1st Round NFL Mock Draft
