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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Commanders' 2024 draft class ranked best in NFL

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General manager Adam Peters made it clear last year that he wanted to turn the Washington Commanders into championship contenders through the draft. That's a common goal for teams, **but according to NFL.com Deputy Editor Gennaro Filice,** no one did it better than the Burgundy & Gold in 2024.

As part of his end-of-year rankings for each NFL team's draft class, Filice placed the Commanders No. 1 for drafting a nine-player rookie class (he included safety Tyler Owens as a "notable free agent signee") that had eight players start at least one game. Four players -- quarterback Jayden Daniels, defensive tackle Johnny Newton, cornerback Mike Sainristil and offensive tackle Brandon Coleman -- started at least 11 games.

"Yes, Jayden Daniels is the biggest reason Washington tops this ranking, but he isn't the only reason," Filice wrote, giving the Commanders an "A" for their draft class. "In his first draft as a general manager, Adam Peters selected impact starters on both sides of the football, helping the Commanders go from 4-13 cellar-dwellers to 12-5 NFC Championship Game participants."

Peters, who was hired weeks after the conclusion of the 2023 season, took over an organization that had six picks in the top 100, including the No. 2 overall selection. Peters used that pick to take Daniels, who had impressed him and his staff during the draft process with his talent, work ethic, preparation and competitiveness. Washington believed they had gotten the best player in the draft, and the hope was that Daniels would provide the quarterback position with long-term stability and elevate the roster around him.

Daniels went on to confirm those beliefs by leading Washington to a 12-5 regular season record and the franchise's first conference championship appearance since 1991 and being named Offensive Rookie of the Year for breaking numerous league records.

"Peters' first pick did provide an outsized benefit, giving Washington the league's most valuable commodity: a true franchise quarterback," Filice wrote. "Posting the highest completion percentage (69.0) and most rushing yards (891) by a rookie quarterback in NFL history, Daniels tormented foes via arm and legs. Frankly, though, his most remarkable trait might be his eternally calm demeanor."

Washington found three more consistent starters with their next four picks, two of which were on defense. Newton, regarded by many before the draft as a first-round pick, fell to the Commanders at No. 36 overall. Despite having Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne on the roster, Peters took Newton because of his rare athleticism and production as an interior pass-rusher. Newton led all Washington defensive linemen with 44 tackles to go with a forced fumble.

Fourteen picks later, the Commanders drafted Sainristil -- a player Nick Saban praised as being the best slot cornerback in the draft. Sainristil ended up mostly on the perimeter out of necessity but still had a noticeable impact in the secondary. He finished with the fourth most tackles on the team, led Washington with two interceptions and had the 10th best cover grade in his draft class, per Pro Football Focus.

"The rookie answered the bell with aplomb, finishing the season with four interceptions, including two in Washington's playoff upset of Detroit," Felice wrote.

Washington's next three picks -- tight end Ben Sinnott, Coleman and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey -- all played at least 16 games. Coleman won the right to be the Commanders' starting left tackle and showed promise with his size, quick feet and athleticism that helped him compete with defensive ends. McCaffrey ended his rookie campaign with 18 catches for 168 yards, while Sinnott caught all five of his targets for 28 yards and a touchdown. PFF also gave Sinnott the best pass-blocking grade (81) among rookie tight ends.

Washington's final three draft picks -- Temple linebacker Jordan Magee, Washington safety-turned-outside linebacker Dominique Hampton and Notre Dame edge rusher Javontae Jean-Baptiste -- all played reserve roles but have the confidence of the organization that they will develop into consistent contributors. Magee, for example, was getting starting reps in training camp before a knee injury put him on Injured Reserve for most of the season. Magee finished with nine tackles and 15 defensive snaps.

Peters was tasked with giving the Commanders a more competitive roster after finishing 4-13 in 2023. His next challenge will be to build on the success from 2024, although he will have different tools to do so. The Commanders will pick 29th in this year's draft with three picks in the top 100 rather than last year's six. They have their quarterback of the future, but other positions, several of which are on defense, still need to be addressed before the 2025 season kicks off in September.

However, Peters and his staff have proven they're up to the task.

"One overriding sentiment becomes even more pronounced," Filice wrote, "It's a brand-new day for football in the nation's capital."

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