B-
Washington Commanders
The Commanders answered their biggest question with Williams. Grade: B-.
by Steven S ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 1 steals
· 3 reaches
They finally answered the question that shadows every other one. Caleb Williams is the Commanders' quarterback, full stop. They moved the roster forward and banked a B- for it.
Bethune has a lot of ground to make up just to look fairly priced. The Washington steal is the beam this whole class leans on. If this class has a fault line, it runs straight through tight end.
They went 5 of 8 on their needs, which is most of what a draft is for.
All told, a solid class that does its job everywhere but tight end.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 2nd pick they get their guy under center for the next decade at fair value. A clean fit for the roster.
They paid sticker price for Tyler Guyton in the 36th overall pick, and that is fine. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
A straight-up fair deal on T.J. Tampa at the Round 2 slot, value and slot in agreement. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
They did well to land Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in pick No. 67, just ahead of his grade. It adds depth where they could use a little.
A market-rate offensive lineman, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Dominick Puni. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
Mohamed Kamara in Round 4, Pick 2 is early enough to raise a brow, if not a full objection. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
You do not let a wide receiver like Malik Washington reach pick 141 and blink. They did not. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
Christian Jones at No. 181 jumps the queue by a touch more than is comfortable. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
They reached a country mile for Tatum Bethune at the 223rd pick, and the board is aghast. A luxury on a unit that was already in good shape.