A-
Washington Commanders
A masterclass at the trade table lands the Commanders a A-.
by Gm one ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 8 picks
· 0 steals
· 4 reaches
The real work happened on the phones. The Commanders fleeced their trade partners, turning their picks into a noticeably bigger pile than they started with. One of the weekend's best, top to bottom, and a A- to show for it.
The Bell pick is the one the value grade keeps tripping over. They punted on quarterback, and it is the miss that keeps the grade honest.
With quarterback, running back and other spots unsolved, spending premium capital on defensive back is the choice that costs them.
In the end it comes back to JC Latham, and a haul good enough to build on right away.
Pick-by-Pick
No edge and no loss on JC Latham in Round 1, Pick 12; it is a wash and a sensible one. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
Nate Wiggins at pick No. 36 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
Jonah Elliss in the 39th overall pick is the kind of reach that only looks good if he outplays it. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
They paid up for Malachi Corley at the Round 2 slot when waiting would have done the job. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
Sedrick Van Pran at slot 56 is a clear overpay, with better names still on the board. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
They zigged when the board said zag, taking Caelen Carson at defensive back with quarterback, running back and other spots open.
Jaheim Bell at pick 100 is the pick scouts circle, and not in a good way. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
Fair-plus on Graham Barton, a quiet win that adds up over a draft. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.