Washington Commanders 2024 NFL draft picks: Jayden Daniels goes No. 2
Let's take a closer look at each of the Commanders' 2024 draft picks.
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MIAMI -- The 2024 NFL draft kicked off on Thursday, April 25, in Detroit. The Washington Commanders made nine of the draft's 257 picks, beginning with the No. 2 selection of the first round.
ESPN provided pick-by-pick analysis of each of the Commanders' selections as they were made.
A look at each of Washington's scheduled selections:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1: No. 2: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
My take: In Adam Peters' first draft as Commanders' general manager, he opted for Daniels over J.J. McCarthy and Drake Maye. If Peters got the right man then Washington finally will have a solution to a quarterback problem that has plagued them for decades. Peters' pick will always be judged by the success, or failure, of McCarthy and Maye -- though far less so if Daniels thrives in Washington. If Daniels becomes the quarterback they hope, Washington could finally end decades of subpar play on the field. Its .399 winning percentage over the past 10 years is better than only five teams. The organization has not won 10 games since it last had a dual-threat rookie quarterback in 2012 -- Robert Griffin III. He energized the fan base unlike any player in recent memory, and the hope for Washington is that Daniels will do the same. But the Commanders need that fire to burn longer than one year, as it did with Griffin.
Key stat: One. That's the number of Washington quarterbacks who have been the primary starter for four or more seasons since Joe Theismann last played in 1985. And that one quarterback, Mark Rypien, last played for the team in 1993. Since that time Washington has started 32 different quarterbacks, and only two, Jason Campbell and Kirk Cousins, have started 13 or more games in three consecutive seasons. In other words, the quarterback turnover has been a problem. It's no coincidence that, since winning the Super Bowl after the 1991 season, Washington has not posted an 11-win regular season and has won just three playoff games.
Will he start as a rookie?: Heck yes. The real question will be whether he starts from Day 1 or not, but considering Washington is not in a must-win year it can afford to start a rookie quarterback right away. The Commanders have a new owner, general manager and coach and have a long-term plan to turn around the organization. Washington signed Marcus Mariota as a backup in free agency, and general manager Adam Peters said they were fine with letting him start if a rookie wasn't ready. But part of the appeal for Daniels is that his ability to escape pressure because of his speed and quickness allows him to make an impact earlier than most rookie quarterbacks.
What's next: The Commanders have five picks in the second and third rounds so they can fill a lot of holes and add what they need most: good, young talent. Washington could opt to trade back into the first round to pick a left tackle, the most glaring need to fill. The Commanders lack a long-term starting option at the position and brought in tackles such as Amarius Mims, Jordan Morgan and Roger Rosengarten -- there's a chance they could stay at 36 or 40 and land one of them. Washington also wants to add an edge rusher, cornerback and tight end -- and could find a player at each spot Friday.
Round 2: No. 36: Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
My take: Washington did not need a defensive tackle, and clearly have some key holes to fill, but the Commanders opted for the best player available in taking Newton. Washington drafted Phidarian Mathis in be the second round two years ago, but he has yet to make an impact playing behind Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. They also have John Ridgeway, but beyond that they needed more help. Another key: Allen has no more guaranteed money on his contract, which runs through 2025, so the team could move on from him after this season. As a result, Newton can help this season, but take on an even bigger role in the future.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time?: Early. Newton was the Big Ten's defensive player of the year with 7.5 sacks so he can cause disruption on the interior -- and fits the sort of profile Dan Quinn likes inside. They wanted athleticism and versatility and want to create chaos for offenses. If Newton shows he can play, he could easily become a key part of the rotation immediately as Mathis is more of a big nose tackle who does not offer much as a pass rusher. Ridgeway, too, is more of a nose tackle. Newton fits more like Payne or Allen, players who cause problems with their quickness.
Round 2: No. 50 (from Philadelphia): Mike Sainristil, DB, Michigan
My take: Washington's cornerbacks struggled last season. The Commanders signed three corners in free agency, but needed more players who could compete for starting roles. Sainristil will do just that, though he would play in the slot, where there also was a need. Quan Martin started in the slot at the end of the season, but the second-year pro can also play safety. Sainristil also showed he can take the ball away in college with seven interceptions. Washington needs more players like that in the secondary.
Is this pick for depth or does it fill a hole?: It fills a definite hole. His physical style also will help set a tone on defense. It became clear during the draft process that Washington would draft a corner, but the Commanders still need more help at this position -- but now on the outside. They want to play a more physical style of coverage and they lack a clear No. 1 corner on the outside. That has to remain a priority. Last year's first-round pick, Emmanuel Forbes, struggled as a rookie.
Round 2: No. 53 (from Philadelphia): Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State
My take: Washington needed more versatility at tight end, which is what Sinnott provides. He can help as a tight end, but, at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, he has the size to help as a blocker from the fullback position as well. He also showed he could catch, with 49 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns. The Commanders needed another tight end with pass-catching potential to pair with Zach Ertz. Washington also has John Bates, but he's more of a blocker. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury likes to use a lot of two tight end sets so adding someone else who can catch was a must.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time?: It should be right away. The Commanders don't have enough depth at the position as Cole Turner did not develop in his first two seasons. That leaves room for a rookie to come in and help immediately. Turner also can't help much as a blocker, something that Sinnott can. Washington wants -- needs -- to improve its run game so adding a player with Sinnott's ability should help. That, too, should help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Sinnott also will provide a bigger target.
Round 3: No. 67: Brandon Coleman, T/G, TCU
My take: Washington has spent the offseason trying to rebuild and fix its offensive line. The Commanders added two starters via free agency in center Tyler Biadasz and guard Nick Allegretti. Coleman now can help at tackle, though he also started games at guard while at TCU. But the immediate need remains at tackle so the Commanders need him to fill that void. Washington cut former starting left tackle Charles Leno Jr., and does not have a full-time replacement on the roster -- which is why they need Coleman to work out. Also, Washington drafted a tackle in the fourth round last season in Braeden Daniels, but he struggled in training camp and eventually was placed on injured reserve with a rotator cuff injury. He did not show he could be a future starter last summer.
Will he start as a rookie?: At some point he'll have to start. Washington can start Cornelius Lucas at left tackle if Coleman isn't ready, or shows that he can't handle the position. Washington general manager Adam Peters has said he's comfortable with Lucas starting, but in the past he was viewed best as a part-time starter. So they will need someone ready to take over at some point. Considering they have a rookie quarterback, the Commanders need to provide the best protection possible. After using a third-round pick on Coleman he'll need to take over at some point.
Round 3: No. 100: Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
My take: McCaffrey provides needed depth at receiver. Beyond Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, Washington had too many questions at this position. And Dotson has not yet ascended to the level the organization hoped when it drafted him in the first round two years ago. At 6-foot-2, McCaffrey gives Daniels a bigger target from the slot -- Peters likes his quickness inside. McCaffrey started his career as a Nebraska quarterback and ended it as a receiver at Rice.
Ties to the team to know: Peters was in San Francisco when the 49ers traded for Luke's brother, Christian, in 2022. Peters called the McCaffrey family "near and dear to my heart." Peters also said he did "get a little insight from his brother; I got a little encouragement from his brother. But I didn't need it." Peters called Luke McCaffrey an ascending player because of his newness to the position. He also said McCaffrey has "great" movement skills, which could help him be a pest from the inside and help add to his family's legacy.
Round 5, No. 139: Jordan Magee, LB, Temple
My take: Washington has spent the offseason rebuilding its linebacker core, adding starters Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu as well as backups Anthony Pittman and Mykal Walker. They also still have Jamin Davis. So Magee will have work to do in order to make the roster and contribute -- most likely on special teams. Magee has experience playing special teams. The Commanders have focused in part on adding good leaders and Magee was a two-time team captain at Temple. He started for three seasons and led the team in tackles each of the past two years. Last season he also had a team-high 14 tackles for a loss and was tied for most sacks with 3.5.
Round 5, No. 161 (from Philadelphia): Dominique Hampton, S, Washington
My take: Washington has a core of young safeties with Darrick Forrest, Jartavius Martin and Percy Butler, plus veterans in Jeremy Chinn and Jeremy Reaves. The Commanders did not have a need for another safety to provide immediate help, but they could use one to develop, and that's where Hampton enters. His size -- 6-foot-2, 215 pounds -- is a good starting point. Any help in Year 1 would come on special teams -- he was named the most outstanding special teams player at Washington in 2021. He spent six years with the Huskies, starting the last two and led the team in tackles this past season. He also showed versatility, playing some corner for the Huskies.
Round 7, No. 222: Javontae Jean-Baptiste, DE, Notre Dame
My take: The Commanders signed three edge rushers in the offseason, but only Dorance Armstrong received a multi-year contract. They do have two young holdovers from last year's draft class in KJ Henry and Andre Jones Jr. Jean-Baptiste will challenge those two for a roster spot. Jean-Baptiste spent six years in college football -- the first five at Ohio State and last year at Notre Dame. He was a reserve for the Buckeyes but started for the Irish and led the team with 10.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks. He had the seventh fastest 40-time (4.66 seconds) among defensive ends at the combine.
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