The 2024 NFL combine is over. NFL teams departed Indianapolis after Sunday’s offensive line workouts, and now all 32 franchises have begun preparation for the opening of free agency next week.
How much did last week’s combine change the perspective of NFL teams? How many prospects improved their stock? How many prospects will fall because of their performances in Indianapolis?
For the most part, the on-field drills don’t often impact how teams view players. However, the speed on display at Lucas Oil Stadium is difficult to ignore. Some wide receivers likely helped themselves over the past few days, but the interview process matters the most to teams.
With that out of the way, let’s do a mock draft. The Washington Commanders have five picks in the first three rounds. Here is a post-combine three-round draft for the Commanders.
First round, No. 2 overall: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
Nothing happened over the past week that indicated the Commanders are trading up or down. GM Adam Peters hinted that he’d do anything to make the team better when questioned about moving up. I don’t see the Bears passing on the chance to trade Caleb Williams, leaving Washington to choose between trading down, or picking a quarterback: Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels.
All indications are the Commanders are highest on Maye. In this mock draft, Washington finds its quarterback of the future in the former North Carolina star.
Second round, No. 36 overall: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
There’s a good chance that Chop Robinson lands in the first round after his amazing combine performance. We’re betting that his lack of college production will keep him on the board until early in the second round and the Commanders pounce. Dan Quinn will love Robinson’s athleticism and natural ability. Remember how things turned out with the last Penn State pass rusher he coached?
Second round, No. 40 overall: OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
Suamataia is one of the offensive tackles who could fall due to the insane depth of this class. In this mock draft, Washington finds its left tackle of the future by selecting the super-talented Suamataia. The cousin of Detroit star RT Penei Sewell, Suamataia has everything you desire in a left tackle. There are technique issues that need clearing up, but the sky is the limit with Suamataia. Suamataia would be an even better pick if the Commanders signed a veteran such as Tyron Smith to start for a year or two.
Third round, No. 67 overall: TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Sinnott raised his stock more than any other tight end at the combine. It wasn’t as if Sinnott needed the combine to show he could play. What teams wanted to see was Sinnott’s athleticism and how he performed through some of the drills. He knocked everything out of the park. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sinnott lands in the second round for two reasons: He’s good enough to go that high and this draft lacks depth at the position.
Third round, No. 101 overall: WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
Malachi Corley has opened eyes since his performance at the Senior Bowl. Corley was one of college football’s most productive receivers over the past three seasons and showed what he could do on an NFL stage at the Senior Bowl. He crushed his combine performances, too. The depth of this class gives the Commanders a future starter at the end of the third round. Corley looks like a running back after the catch. A perfect fit for Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.
