The Washington Commanders introduced new general manager Adam Peters to the media on Tuesday. In his introductory press conference, Peters said he would build the Commanders through the draft.
In Peters’ first draft with Washington, he holds the No. 2 overall pick, three of the top 40 picks, five selections in the first three rounds and six of the first 102 picks.
The Commanders have plenty of holes to fill. Heck, they haven’t even hired a head coach yet. But regardless of who Washington hires as head coach, you can expect the Commanders to be looking for a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft.
Dane Brugler, NFL draft analyst for The Athletic, released a new two-round mock draft on Tuesday. In Brugler’s mock, he gives the Commanders three immediate starters.
1st round, No. 2 overall: UNC QB Drake Maye
So much depends on who Peters hires as head coach, but if the Bears select Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall, Maye to Washington seems likely. Brugler loves the fit.
Recently hired Adam Peters has taken over all football decisions for Washington and has a chance to flip things quickly with three picks in the top 40.
Obviously, this selection will depend on what the Bears do. Will it be as simple as drafting whoever doesn’t go No. 1 between Williams and Maye? Very possible. Maye is a fantastic consolation prize and has the talent to develop into a top-10 NFL quarterback.
2nd round, No. 36 overall: Houston OT Patrick Paul
This is a deep offensive tackle class, and Washington having two early second-round picks is good news. While the Commanders would love Olu Fashanu or Joe Alt, landing Paul at No. 36 would feel like a steal. He joins his older brother Chris on the roster. Remember, offensive tackles are always selected higher than their perceived rankings every year. Paul could be a guy who goes in round one.
The Commanders landed their franchise quarterback in the first round and use this pick to help protect him. At 6-7, 310 with 36 1/2-inch arms, Paul is massive with functional movements ready to be coached. His older brother, Chris Paul, is already on the roster (seven starts at left guard in 2023), so the Commanders could roll out a brotherly tackle-guard combo.
2nd round, No. 40 overall: Minnesota S Tyler Nubin
The Commanders used their first two picks last season on defensive backs: Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin. Forbes had a rough year, while Martin showed promise throughout the second half of the season. Martin can also play multiple positions. If Washington doesn’t re-sign Kam Curl, don’t be surprised if it drafts a potential replacement.
Minnesota’s all-time leader in interceptions, Nubin is an alert, athletic safety who plays like a wide receiver when the ball is in the air. If the Commanders don’t re-sign Kamren Curl, Nubin would be a perfect replacement.
