The Washington Commanders have had a miraculous turnaround in 2024. In 2023, the team finished last in the division with a 4-13 record.
Entering Week 18 of the 2024 season, the Commanders areare 11-5, and they have a playoff spot locked in.
An elite class of rookies is a big reason for this turnaround. The Commanders’ brass knocked the 2024 NFL draft out of the park, starting with star quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Outside of Daniels, though, the team added other immediate impact rookies like Jer’Zhan Newton and Mike Sainristil. Tight end Ben Sinnott, left tackle Brandon Coleman, and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey have also made impacts in their first season in the league.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com recently identified the top draft classes from 2024, and the analyst ranked the Commanders’ class as the best in the league.
Brooks mentioned the cultural impact that Daniels has had in the locker room and the immediate impact after several of these rookies became instant starters.
“With one week still left to play, they’ve already clinched a playoff berth while reaching double-digit victories for the first time since 2012 and winning 11 games in a season for the first time since 1991,” Brooks explained. “This team’s quick turnaround in Year 1 under Quinn and general manager Adam Peters is a testament to Peters’ shrewd drafting and Quinn’s superb developmental plan for this crop of rookies.”
This class has so far been what every general manager envisions each draft class to be. Even seventh-round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste has contributed 13 tackles and one sack.
The Commanders will be in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. This stellar class of rookies is responsible for most of the success, but the new ownership group, general manager, and coaching staff also deserve credit.