Thanks to the in-season trade of defensive end Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears, the Washington Commanders will have three picks in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL draft.
The Commanders, under new owner Josh Harris, will likely have new leadership next season. Harris is expected to bring in a new general manager and head coach. And with five total picks in the first three rounds and over $90 million in salary-cap room, the Commanders will be an attractive option.
One positive from Washington’s current season is the development of second-year quarterback Sam Howell. While Howell has a long way to go to convince the Commanders he’s the man to build around, he’s trending in the right direction.
But will a new coach and GM feel the same?
If not, the Commanders have the assets to move up in the draft if they spot another passer they like. If not, the extra selections allow Washington to build the team around Howell.
In a new two-round mock draft from Jeff Risdon of Draft Wire, the Commanders are first on the clock at No. 12 and select Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan.
Another projection that seems out of line with the current thought on rankings, but Morgan has the kind of game that should age well in evaluations. The Commanders cannot neglect the offensive line if they want Sam Howell to thrive.
This may seem a bit high for Morgan right now, but if Washington stays put and goes for its top need, Morgan could be the best available. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound Morgan has the size and length to become a standout left tackle in the NFL.
With their first second-round pick — the pick from the Bears —Washington selected Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell at No. 37.
With their own second-round pick, No. 43, Washington selected Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter. Carter would give the Commanders a playmaking linebacker they sorely need.
So much will change for Washington in a few months. The Commanders could be picking in the top 10 of the draft, meaning they would be a prime candidate to move up and select one of the draft’s top offensive line prospects, such as Olu Fashanu or Joe Alt. Either way, Washington will have plenty of options to improve its roster.
It should be an interesting offseason.