Washington Commanders 3-Round Mock Draft—After years of searching for a franchise quarterback, the Commanders hold the coveted second overall pick. The decision is clear: secure the organization’s future under center. There’s a top-down changing of the guard within the organization’s decision-making structure, and the pressure to get it right is mounting as Thursday night approaches.
The Commanders are loaded with top-100 picks in this year’s draft, so let’s see how it might shake out.
Here’s a breakdown of a Washington Commanders 3-Round Mock Draft using the PFF Mock Draft simulator:
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Commanders 3-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 2: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Maye, Jayden Daniels, and even J.J. McCarthy are all still very live to be the pick for Washington, and the front office had done a good job keeping quiet on who they like. For the sake of this exercise, the future of the Washington Commanders rests on the shoulders of Drake Maye, the dynamic quarterback from North Carolina. Maye is one of the consensus top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft, possessing a blend of arm talent, athleticism, and decision-making that makes him a perfect fit for the modern NFL.
Maye boasts a strong arm with excellent touch and accuracy. His 2023 game tape isn’t as crisp as what he showcased in 2022, but his supporting cast was significantly worse in 2023, which is noteworthy. He can dissect defenses from the pocket with pinpoint throws, but his mobility allows him to extend plays and create outside the structure. His scrambling ability not only adds another dimension to the offense but also aids in his decision-making, allowing him to avoid unnecessary sacks.
Beyond his physical tools, Maye showcases exceptional football IQ. He reads defenses quickly, understands progressions, and throws with anticipation. His ability to make pre-snap adjustments and adapt to pressure situations bodes well for his transition to the NFL.
The Commanders’ selection signifies a commitment to building around a young, talented signal-caller who can lead the team for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 36: Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
With their first pick in the second round, the Commanders address a pressing need at offensive tackle by selecting Roger Rosengarten from the University of Washington.
Rosengarten is a massive mountain of a man with exceptional size and strength. He possesses the power to anchor against bull rushes and the athleticism to contain speed rushers on the edge. His footwork is impressive, allowing him to mirror pass rushers and maintain clean blocking angles.
The Commanders’ offensive line has been a mixed bag in recent seasons. The new quarterback will need time to operate, and the running game also lacks consistency due to a lack of push up front. Rosengarten has been a riser in the pre-draft process and instantly bolsters the Commanders’ offensive line depth.
Round 2, Pick 40: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
With their second pick in the second round, the Commanders address their secondary by selecting Kamari Lassiter, a lockdown corner from Georgia.
Lassiter utilizes his size to his advantage in press coverage, disrupting receivers at the line of scrimmage and creating difficulty with contested catches. Additionally, his speed allows him to keep pace with even the fastest wide receivers in the league. He didn’t wow teams in the pre-draft testing portion leading up to the draft, which is why he’s available at pick no. 40.
Lassiter showcases exceptional ball skills and instincts while at Georgia. He tracks the ball well in coverage and displays a knack for making plays on throws. His tackling ability is solid, making him a complete shutdown corner who excels in both zone and man coverage.
The secondary has been a concern for the Commanders, with last year’s first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes struggling mightily in his first year. It’s too early to consider him a full-on bust, but his selection didn’t stop cornerback from being a need in this year’s draft.
Round 3, Pick 67: Austin Booker, EDGE, Kansas
He doesn’t have a ton of experience at EDGE, but Austin Booker from Kansas provides depth and potential future upside for the Commanders. Booker is a relentless pass rusher with a good first step and a variety of moves to get to the quarterback. The Commanders brought Booker in for a visit last week, and he’s a name to watch early in Round 3.
Round 3, Pick 78: Erick All, TE, Iowa
Erick All struggled to stay healthy but was incredibly productive whenever he was on the field. Iowa has been “Tight End University” for quite some time now, so taking a shot on an extremely athletic move tight end to support your rookie quarterback makes all the sense in the world, considering the surplus of picks that the Commanders have.
Round 3, Pick 100: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
Safety remains a need, with Kam Curl moving on to the Rams in free agency, and Kamren Kinchens, a versatile safety from Miami, adds depth and potential competition to the secondary.
This Commanders 3-Round Mock Draft prioritizes building a strong foundation for the future. Selecting Drake Maye provides a long-term solution at quarterback, the cornerstone of any successful NFL team. Addressing the offensive line and secondary with Roger Rosengarten and Kamari Lassiter ensures that Maye has the protection and support he needs to succeed. With this draft haul, the Washington Commanders take a significant step towards building a competitive roster.