The Washington Commanders will look a lot different next season. There will likely be a new general manager and head coach if new owner Josh Harris moves on from Ron Rivera and his staff. Washington will have a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL draft, around $90 in salary-cap room — with the potential for more — and holes throughout the roster.
One area that will certainly look different next season is the offensive line. Washington’s current offensive line is a serious weakness after years of neglect. Regardless of who the coach or general manager is, upgrading the offensive line will be a significant priority.
In a new mock draft from Matt Miller of ESPN, the Commanders are picking No. 5 overall. Currently, Washington is No. 4 in the 2024 NFL draft order, but ESPN’s Football Power Index projects the Commanders to choose fifth, hence them being behind the Giants.
Which direction does Miller go for the Commanders? It’s a familiar one:
First-year starting quarterback Sam Howell has likely shown enough bright spots for the Commanders to build around him for at least one more season. But they can’t keep this current offensive line intact with Howell on track to set the single-season sacks taken record (58 in 13 games).
Fashanu is a smooth-moving left tackle who has allowed one sack all season at Penn State. The 20-year-old junior is still developing, but he has Laremy Tunsil-like potential.
Washington fans would be thrilled with this selection. In Miller’s mock draft, he has QB Caleb Williams (Bears), QB Drake Maye (Patriots), WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals) and QB Jayden Daniels (Giants) going before Fashanu.
The Commanders could pick as high as No. 2, and Fashanu will be in the picture.