How to win the first two days of the draft
Draft picks are at an all time high in trade value, and obtaining the second overall pick doesn’t equal out to the glory of a winning season and playoff runs. However to get the greater glory the Commanders need to have success with the offseason starting with the draft. Crafting the roster is Adam Peter’s job now, meaning a different approach to player acquisition. Consider this:
With three first round quarterbacks and a few others on the fringe, who do they love most ? As far as an outsider scouting opinion, the latter quarterbacks might have some more intriguing qualities. Jj McCarthy took Michigan to the National Championship, he’s a winner. Penix Jr has rebounded in the face of adversity and displayed a true pro style arm talent, while Bo Nix has the most experience of any quarterback in college football history. Those are all legitimate reasons to trade out of the second pick and consider other options. Yes, the backlash of not drafting a QB would be monsterous but the payoff could equal that greater glory we all are hoping for in the D.C. area.
If a top 12 picking team like the Falcons , or Broncos want to move up to two , Washington and Peters could strike gold. Knowing the Super Bowl is at least a year out and having a viable option in Howell already on the roster it could make sense to add a premier tackle this year. Heavily loaded with offensive lineman who could immediately impact the offense for several years to come.
The flashy side of day one is when Washington decides to move back into the first round with all of their acquired picks it should be an easy move. This is when you get “your guy” who they feel can lead the locker room.
Getting into the mock:
Round 1: Pick 8 via trade with ATL
Taliese Fuaga Offensive Tackle, Oregon State
Let’s assume three quarterbacks go one, two , and three plus the guaranteed Marvin Harrison Jr. pick somewhere in the top five. What if Adam Peters wants to flash in his first year leading the draft room? Shifting from pick 2 to pick 8 with Atlanta seems very possible, and in this mock that’s the move the Commander’s make following in Ryan Poles foot steps a year ago for Chicago. In moving back six spots they can a few more top 100 picks to there basket, let’s assume it’s their second and third round picks plus next years first round pick. This would create a surplus of opportunities to flip the roster around with adding picks 8, 43, 74, and 79(via Jax).
A top tackle should be available at pick leaving an easier selection for Washington. The Commanders will select Taliese Fuaga, Offensive Tackle, Oregon State. The top four tackles in this years draft are all projected to be high quality starters in the league, and protecting whoever is under center needs to be a focal point for Dan Quinn. With lacking a quarterback selection Washington will need to save the day for the fan base by taking back into the first round. This will let Adam Peters flash and give the team a chance at their future leader.
A familiar coach in Sean McVay would be the prime call candidate for moving back into the first round. Known for trading away picks, in 2023 McVay might be interested. Holding pick 19 would require a fair amount of value , the 40th and 100th picks this year plus a second round pick in 2025 seems reasonable. All of this theoretical madness to potentially draft the future.
Round 1: Pick 19 via trade w/ Rams
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
A multidimensional athlete with leadership qualities any NFL quarterback must have. A winning pedigree based on Michigans previous record with JJ at the helm in addition to the National Championship he won this January. More consistent than any other quarterback prospect in the draft, he can move the chains by any means necessary, sevens, crossers, deep sideline shots, and is comfortable scrambling too. The most noticeable trait is his confidence in himself , a very humble leader with the presence that grasps an entire audience.
Round 2: Pick 36
Zach Frazier, Guard, West Virginia
Frazier is a bully, but he’s also underrated for the simple fact, the Big 12 doesn’t run the ball, which is his strong point. However WVU quietly rushed for 2900 yards last year and Frazier led the way. Aggressively throwing defenders around with pure strength, also maintains great leverage throughout the entire post snap play. An excellent hog for the farm, Commanders longtime fans will rejoice in a potential offensive line they haven’t seen since the 90’s.
Round 2: Pick 43 via trade with ATL
Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
Attempting to replace Young and Sweat in the same draft seems unlikely , but a new approach from Joe Whitt could lead to more linebacker usage in zone and blitz packages. Colson shined in open field coverage and tackling, has great feel for his zone, and can run with the tight ends in the league. Moving Jamin Davis to a rushing role should allow Junior Colson to take over the defense and green dot responsibilities.
Round 3: Pick 67
Mikey Sainristil, CB, Michigan
At this point you’re probably wondering why so many Michigan players, my answer is simple, draft winners. Players with a winning history will come in with expectations of winning and not an “underdog” mindset. The underdog vibe needs to come from the heart when it is required, and building a championship contender should be built with winners. Sainristil had pass breakups in the NCAA championship game in the biggest moments, making tackles all over the field all year long. He’s got the heart and the mentality to be a leader on the defense.
Round 3: Pick 74 via trade with ATL
Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama
Back to the winning pedigree point, Braswell was impressive as the year went on for Saban’s all star defense. Turning in eight sacks and three forced fumbles, he’s a force to be reckon with and an NFL experienced coaching staff of Kerrigan and Floydd could turn him into an every down starter for the Commanders.
Round 3: Pick 79 via trade with ATL
Brenden Rice, WR, USC
The extra pick in the third should be the pick where you reach for someone you believe could a start. In my opinion that’s Brenden Rice all day. Even if you exclude the fact he’s the greatest NFLers son, he’s so quick in his breaks and he runs harder than any pass catcher in this years class. He can be a consistent pass option for any QB and it would benefit the Commanders to draft him and reap the rewards to come.
End of draft day 2
That’s the end of the second day in the 2024 draft and how the Washington front office can win draft days one and two. Creeping into a playoff position is possible, realistically this team isn’t concerned with just making the playoffs though. Dan Quinn and staff are only interested in one thing, Super Bowls. Owner Josh Harris has impressed thus far, and will look to continue rejuvenating the historic franchise.
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