Prioritizing the Washington Commanders NFL Draft: Top 5 Positions to Address

The Washington Commanders head into the 2024 offseason with a war chest of draft picks and plenty of questions to answer. While they possess some exciting young talent, there are plenty of holes on this roster that need to be addressed. So as the Commanders begin the Dan Quinn era, let’s take a look at their top 5 positions needing attention in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Washington Commanders Positions to Address in the NFL Draft

Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) celebrates a touchdown with guard Andrew Wylie (71) against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
*Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders have made wholesale changes this offseason beginning with hiring Dan Quinn from the Cowboys to be their new head coach. In free agency, they’ve added multiple veterans including RB Austin Ekeler and LB Bobby Wagner, bringing some much-needed leadership to D.C. Now it’s on to the NFL Draft where the most important position in football is their top priority.

Quarterback

It’s no secret that The Washington Commanders’ biggest need and top 2024 NFL Draft priority will be a quarterback. They gave the former 5th-round pick Sam Howell a shot at leading the Commanders in 2023, but after leading the NFL in interceptions, Dan Quinn and company decided to go in a different direction. Washington has struggled to find a replacement for Kirk Cousins since he left for Minnesota so getting this pick right is crucial.

Edge Rusher

Washington held a blue light special on pass rushers last season. Shipping out both Chase Young and Montez Sweat ahead of the trade deadline. They’ve since replaced them with multiple free-agent acquisitions like Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, and Clelin Ferrell. But only Armstrong is signed on for multiple years. Restocking their depth at this position will also be important under defensive-minded Dan Quinn. 

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Offensive Tackle

Everyone knows that the most important outside of quarterback is the position that blocks for the quarterback and that’s at left tackle. Washington surrendered the 2nd most sacks in the league last season, and they haven’t made any significant upgrades or depth adds in free agency. They need to address this issue and possibly find a player who can grow into a solid blindside tackle for their QB of the future.

Wide Receiver

Jahan Dotson has shown flashes of brilliance over his first two seasons and Terry McLaurin is a legitimate star. However, McLaurin isn’t getting any younger, and the receiving corps lacks reliable depth beyond those two after Curtis Samuel left in free agency. Drafting a slot receiver or a big-bodied outside target would give their new quarterback more weapons to work with.  

Defensive Backs

Washington surrendered the most passing yards and touchdowns while also finishing last in interceptions. They have already begun adding pieces to this area of need via free agency but in addition to upgrades, they need depth. Washington holds five picks during the second and third rounds so it won’t be surprising if they add multiple DBs in that range.

Washington Commanders Offseason Additions

Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; New Washington Commanders' running back Austin Ekeler (30) scores a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
*Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders were one of the most active teams during free agency, bringing in multiple players who’ll be key contributors in 2024. A couple of their most impactful moves are below.

  • Austin Ekeler – RB
  • Bobby Wagner – LB
  • Zach Ertz – TE
  • Dante Fowler Jr. – DE
  • Tyler Biadasz – C
  • Washington Commanders 2024 NFL Draft Picks

    The Washington Commanders begin their 2024 NFL Draft with the 2nd overall pick and as of right, have nine overall selections.

  • Round 1: Pick 2
  • Round 2: Pick 36
  • Round 2: Pick 40 (from Chicago)
  • Round 3: Nos. 67
  • Round 3: Pick 78 (from Seattle)
  • Round 3: Pick 100 (from San Francisco)
  • Round 5: Pick 139
  • Round 5: Pick 152 (from Seattle)
  • Round 7: Pick 222
  • Read More

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    Brian is just a regular guy whose first passion was sports. He's either been playing, watching, now working in, and recreationally betting on sports for over 30 years. His favorite sports to bet are Football (NFL/NCAAF), College Basketball, and the NASCAR Cup Series. In addition to being a content contributor here at Bleacher Nation, Brian co-hosts the Angle of Pursuit Nascar Betting Podcast , & is also the FantasyLifeApp breaking news moderator/manager.

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