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: Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus
Selection: Josh Simmons, T, Ohio State (March 10)
Analysis: With Ronnie Stanley off the free agency board, Washington may have to turn to the draft for a talented tackle. Simmons is a boom-or-bust prospect but seemed to have made serious strides this past season before going down with a torn patellar tendon in Ohio State's sixth game. His 0.7% pressure rate allowed in 2024 led all FBS tackles, and he didn't surrender a sack or a quarterback hit.
Expert: Garrett Podell, CBS Sports
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (March 11)
Analysis: With Dante Fowler Jr., Washington's 2024 sacks leader with 10.5, hitting free agency, the Commanders need to acquire a young edge rusher. Donovan Ezeiruaku, the 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year whose 16.5 sacks were the second most in the nation, could be nice fit. He showcased a steady dose of explosion off the ball at the combine. The consensus All-American will fit in nicely with the NFC runner-ups.
Expert: Carter Landis, Sports Illustrated
Selection: Malaki Starts, DB Georgia (March 13)
Analysis: The Commanders lost Jeremy Chinn to the Raiders, so they add another versatile defensive back for Dan Quinn's defense. Starks can cover receivers, tight ends, roam the defensive backfield, and play in the box.
Expert: Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
Selection: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (March 13)
Analysis: Washington has addressed multiple needs this offseason, but others remain. Running back may be a luxury pick, but it takes some of the pressure off Jayden Daniels to produce. They no longer have to worry about complementary skillsets to pair with the collection of hammerheads assembled in that room.
Expert: Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today
Selection: Mike Green, DE/OLB, Marshall (March 12)
Analysis: An aggressive approach to the trade market has landed Washington answers at two key spots: left tackle (Tunsil) and No. 2 wide receiver (Deebo Samuel). Those moves, however, have depleted the Commanders' draft assets, which might leave this as the most reasonable route for patching up the edge rush.
Expert: Eric Froton, NBC Sports
Selection: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (March 12)
Analysis: South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori and Georgia's Malaki Starks are battling to be the first safety off the board. Emmanwori is the current leader over Starks in recent industry mocks posted on mockdraftdatabase.com after blowing away the Combine with his perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score. They are both currently +500 to be the first non-Travis Hunter CB taken, and I favor Emmanwori, but like Will Johnson overall.
Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Selection: Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon (March 12)
Analysis: The Commanders add more to the trenches with the high floor of Josh Conerly Jr., who can be a plug-and-play type at right tackle.
Expert: Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (March 13)
Analysis: Since trading away Montez Sweat and Chase Young, the Commanders have lacked a true difference-maker rushing the passer off the edge. Ezeiruaku put up huge numbers at BC, and showed off his athleticism with a strong combine workout.
