It’s that time. Time for our final seven-round mock draft ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, which begins Thursday night in Detroit.
What will the Washington Commanders do with the second overall pick? As it gets closer to Thursday, it’s become increasingly likely that LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is the pick. However, nothing has come from Washington that indicates the pick will be Daniels, Drake Maye (North Carolina), or J.J. McCarthy (Michigan).
Could Peters pull off a surprise like the 49ers did in 2021 and choose Maye or McCarthy? Maye would not have been a surprise up until the past couple of weeks. All signs pointed to Jones in 2021, and the 49ers — where Peters was the assistant GM — shocked everyone and chose Trey Lance.
You never know.
Here is our final seven-round mock draft for the Commanders.
LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during warmups before the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
We’ve gone with Maye in almost all of our previous mock drafts. In our final seven-round mock draft, we follow the signs and go to Daniels. Daniels makes the Commanders an instant wild-card threat as a rookie. The goal for the rest of this draft will be to add help around him. Washington has a good start in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr.
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
TRADE: Washington sends No. 36 overall and No. 78 overall to the Seahawks for the 16th overall pick.
Washington bets big on Mims’ massive (pun intended) potential. He is 6-foot-8, 340 pounds and moves like a tight end. Mims has the highest ceiling of all the offensive tackles. Peters is betting on his coaching staff to maximize Mims.
South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) during the first quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Surprise. Not really. The Commanders need another receiver and take the super-athletic South Carolina star. Legette had pedestrian numbers until his final season, where he looked like a future dominant NFL No. 1 wideout. Legette has solid size and terrific speed. Legette is fun to watch after the catch. He can also help as a kick returner. Legette could eventually be Washington’s next WR1.
Kansas State Wildcats tight end Ben Sinnott (34) catches a touchdown pass against Kansas Jayhawks safety Marvin Grant (4) during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Sinnott has enjoyed a fast rise up the draft boards, but NFL teams know all about him. Sinnott is a versatile chess piece who can help Daniels immediately as an intermediate option in the passing game. He is also a good athlete who has yet to reach his ceiling.
Yale Bulldogs offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie (72) blocks Connecticut Huskies defensive lineman Lwal Uguak (98) during the first half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders double dip at offensive tackle when they are surprised to see Amegadjie still on the board. Amegadjie could go much higher in this draft, but will his level of play keep him in Washington’s range here? The Commanders brought Amegadjie in for a visit and clearly see something in him. Amegadjie and Mims could give Washington bookend tackles for the next decade to protect Daniels.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Javontae Jean-Baptiste (1) celebrates during the first half of the game against Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders take a chance on the super-athletic former Ohio State and Notre Dame edge rusher Jean-Baptise. He didn’t have elite college production, but he has incredible measurables. Dan Quinn has done well developing players like Jean-Baptiste, making him a worthy choice here.
The Commanders brought Jones in for a visit. Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have done an outstanding job of developing defensive backs. Jones can be the next one. Jones is long, athletic and a four-year Power-5 starter. Washington is looking for specific traits at corner and edge rusher and Jean-Baptiste and Jones have those traits.
University of New Hampshire junior Dylan Laube runs against Holy Cross in the second round of the FCS playoffs, Dec. 3, 2022 in Worcester.
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The Commanders land another exciting weapon here, stealing Laube in the seventh round. Laube is a running back who may profile better as a slot receiver in the NFL. He catches everything and is more quick and elusive than fast. He could also help in the return game. While he played at a smaller school, Laube opened eyes during Senior Bowl week.
