The views and opinions expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of the team.
In anticipation of the 2024 NFL Draft, which will be held April 24 - 26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, here's a compilation of various league experts' predictions about what the Washington Commanders will do with the No. 29 overall pick. Check back weekly until the draft for more updates.
Expert: Kyle Stackpole, CBS Sports
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (Feb. 28)
Analysis: Obviously protecting Jayden Daniels is a priority, but Donovan Ezeiruaku's NFL combine performance made him too good to pass up here. A consensus All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year (16.5 sacks and 21.0 tackles for loss), Ezeiruaku recorded the fastest three-cone and short-shuttle times among edge rushers. He gets to the quarterback and does so quickly, which will be imperative as the Commanders attempt to catch the Eagles.
Expert: Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
Selection: Jahdae Barron, S/CB, Texas (Feb. 28)
Analysis: The Commanders need a versatile cover man who can make a lot of plays on the ball. Barron can shore up the inside coverage in a hybrid safety/nickelback role.
Expert: Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports
Selection: Omarion Hampton, RB, UNC (Feb. 28)
Analysis: Surprise? A second running back enters the first round with Hampton getting drafted at this point. Hampton and Jayden Daniels would form a hellacious backfield in Washington that might allow the Commanders to make another deep playoff run next season.
Expert: Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today
Selection: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (Feb. 26)
Analysis: Unless Washington wants to make a serious push to sign Tee Higgins, it might need to look to the draft to provide a substantial upgrade to Jayden Daniels' receiving corps. Golden's crisp route running and upside as an intermediate target should help him become an immediate asset as a complement to Terry McLaurin.
Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Selection: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky (Feb. 25)
Analysis: This offseason should be all about maximizing the Jayden Daniels rookie contract window and building a winner. That might mean pursuing receiver Tee Higgins in free agency. It might mean adding a run stopper. But it should definitely mean shoring up the secondary. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was released this season, two years after being a first-round pick. And while the big midseason trade for Marshon Lattimore moved the needle, he struggled to get onto the field amid a hamstring injury. Toss in that Benjamin St-Juste is a free agent, and there's room for improvement here.
Expert: Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports
Selection: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State (Feb. 27)
Analysis: There are tons of needs on defense for Washington, but the top priority has to be ensuring Jayden Daniels is protected for the long term. Simmons missed the majority of the 2024 season after suffering a knee injury, but prior to getting hurt, he was playing like a top-10 pick. If he's able to return to that level of play after he's fully recovered, the Commanders could end up with a massive steal here.
Expert: Blake Krass, DraftKings
Selection: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State (Feb. 27)
Analysis: The Commanders had a dream season with rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Now they need to heavily invest in protecting who is now one of the most valuable players in football. Josh Simmons is a huge body but is also very athletic. He can run block and pass block at a high level, which is so important in this offense that has such a balanced run/pass attack.
Expert: Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Selection: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (Feb. 25)
Analysis: Understandably looking to build around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the Commanders take a playmaker early in this exercise.
Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Selection: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia (Feb. 26)
Analysis: The Commanders make this selection hoping Dan Quinn and Co. can get the most out of the ridiculous frame and athletic profile of Williams.
