2024 NFL Draft: Washington Commanders 7-round mock draft after the bye week

The Washington Commanders are all but guaranteed to have high draft picks in each round following disappointing and lopsided losses

The Burgundy and Gold are in the midst of a four-game losing streak and the season is spiraling out of control. In a few weeks, a new football front office is likely and a new coaching staff will be hired. An overhaul of the roster is expected with new free agents and at least nine draft picks, including extra selections in the second and third rounds.

Welcome to the second mock draft of this fall season from yours truly. The Commanders currently own the fourth overall pick in the first round and that will be the basis for each of the selections today. Also, The Commanders have recently made a strong commitment to analytics and that will factor into the selections today. This mock will feature no trades. Let’s jump right in.

The Early Rounds

Round One, Pick #4

Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Offensive Tackle | 6’6”, 319 lbs

Earlier in the season, left tackle was not a primary need – if you went with conventional wisdom. So much has changed in recent weeks and a true franchise player is now a huge need. Olumuyiwa Fashanu is widely considered to be the best tackle in the draft and Washington makes the selection.

Round Two, Pick #36

J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Edge | 6’4”, 270 lbs

When the Commanders traded away defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young in late October, an immediate need at the position became obvious. J.T. Tuimoloau can be an immediate starter for Washington and is solid as both a pass rusher and run defender.

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Round Two, Pick #41

Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Cornerback | 6’0”, 196 lbs

Quinyon Mitchell is arguably the best cornerback in the nation, but the only knock against him is the level of competition he faced in college. His analytics scores are the best in the country and he turned down power 5 NIL offers from various major programs. He could be a major steal in round two.

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Round Three, Pick #68

Patrick Paul, Houston

Offensive Tackle | 6’7”, 315 lbs

Patrick Paul, the younger brother of current Commander Chris Paul, has played at left tackle throughout his college career. Even though he is quick on his feet, a move to the right side would greatly benefit him. Paul is a superb pass blocker, but needs a bit of work as a run blocker.

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Round Three, Pick #100

Cedric Gray, North Carolina

Linebacker | 6’2”, 235 lbs

It’s safe to assume that fans have seen enough of linebackers Cody Barton and David Mayo. Cedric Gray is an upgrade from the moment he steps on the field. He had a breakout year in 2022 and continued his explosive play in 2023.

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The Middle Rounds

Round Four, Pick #104

Luke Lachey, Iowa

Tight End | 6’6”, 253 lbs

Iowa has become known as “Tight End U” in recent years and Luke Lachey is latest prospect in that pipeline. Before a season-ending injury in the third game of 2023, Lachey was on his way to being a second day pick. A solid pass catcher and blocker, the Commanders would be getting a steal early on day three of the draft.

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Round Five, Pick #138

James Williams, Miami

Free Safety | 6’5”, 215 lbs

James Williams is a talented and very versatile free safety. He can play the hybrid position when needed, and he can inch closer to the line as a linebacker on select plays. Williams can offer the Commanders a solid depth player in the defensive backfield.

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The Latter Rounds

Round Six, Pick #180

Isaiah Adams, Illinois

Offensive Tackle/Guard | 6’6”, 320 lbs

Solid pass protector that has played well against quality Big Ten competition. Expected to move to the interior at the next level. Many analysts have rated him quite low, but the analytics suggest that he will succeed at the next level.

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Round Seven, Pick #222

Ricky Pearsall, Notre Dame

Wide Receiver | 6’1”, 192 lbs

Like most seventh round draftees, Ricky Pearsall will need to make the roster as a special teams player. He is a kick and punt returner and that works in his favor. His talent as a receiver is raw, but he will need to work on gaining separation and needs to prove himself in any postseason all-star games/draft workouts.

The offseason is less than a month away. Draft season and free agency will be here quickly. Will the Commanders retain their fourth overall pick status or could they have a higher pick in a few weeks? We’ll return next week with grades and analysis of the Rams game. See you as we go along.