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: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
Selection: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State (March 18)
Analysis: Thomas is a long, rangy cornerback who can match up with some of the bigger receivers in the NFC East.
Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (March 19)
Analysis: More outside pass-rushing help for the Comannders with the bendy and long-armed Ezeiruaku.
Expert: David Harrison, Sports Illustrated
Selection: Trey Amos, CB Ole Miss (March 20)
Analysis: The Commanders left themselves plenty of options after free agency to take the player that fits them best. Looking at the board, Amos has the right mix of experience, aggression, physical ability and potential to fit the bill. Looking to work him in on the outside will facilitate Mike Sainristil returning to the slot while Marshon Lattimore locks up the other outside position.
Expert: Phil Perry, Yahoo Sports
Selection: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (March 19)
Analysis: The Commanders already had arguably the fastest quarterback in football in Jayden Daniels. Now they're just giving themselves a little more juice in the backfield with Hampton, who is both physical and speedy.
Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Selection: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky (March 18)
Analysis: Hairston also was my projected pick for the Commanders before the combine. It makes sense. Washington is in win-now mode, and cornerback remains a question mark even after the team traded for Marshon Lattimore at the deadline last year.
Expert: Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports
Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (March 18)
Analysis: The Commanders have been using the trade market to add to their offense, so they look to the draft to help bolster their defense. Pearce is all about speed and joins a team, defense and head coach that loves to emphasize it.
Expert: Marcus Mosher, The 33rd Team
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (March 20)
Analysis: The Commanders don't have a high-end EDGE rusher, and that is needed in Dan Quinn's defense. Dante Fowler left to join the Cowboys in free agency, and they desperately need someone who can win off the edge. Donovan Ezeiruaku is one of the most productive pass rushers in the class. Due to his bend and athleticism, he should be able to produce right away in the NFL.
Expert: Rob Rang, FOX Sports
Selection: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (March 19)
Analysis: Nearly everything seemed to go right for the Commanders in Dan Quinn's first year as head coach, but the play at safety wasn't among them. Then-starters Jeremy Chinn (now a member of the Raiders) and Quan Martin struggled at times. Washington addressed the issue in free agency by signing Will Harris from the Saints, but should the instinctive Starks still be on the board, the Commanders would be wise to double down at the position.
Expert: Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (March 19)
Analysis: The Commanders added some help for the pass rush by signing Deatrich Wise Jr. with Dante Fowler Jr. leaving, but Ezeiruaku is a worthy big-time addition who can greatly raise the pressure from Dan Quinn's group.
Expert: Michael Peterson, SB Nation
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (March 19)
Analysis: Ezeiruaku likely parlayed a strong week at the Senior Bowl into a potential selection in this year's first round. At a premium position, guys ahead of him will go fast which could force teams to start getting their guy before the talent drops off a cliff after the first and second tiers.
Expert: Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network
Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (March 16)
Analysis: Washington has either re-signed or added bodies at every position on defense so far in free agency, but a player that can win in isolation is a need up front. In this spot, they add an explosive and twitched-up athlete in James Pearce Jr., whose ability to rush standing up or with his hand in the dirt showcases a move piece HC Dan Quinn could use in a variety of roles. Pearce has a ways to go as an early-down run defender, and his frame has room for added mass, but 107 pressures and 21 sacks the last two years in the SEC will hold weight for teams.
Expert: John Kosko, Pro Football Focus
Selection: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss (March 17)
Analysis:
The Commanders need defensive line help, and Nolen is arguably the most physically gifted defensive tackle in the class. He has the raw power to toss around offensive linemen but needs to develop his hand usage in the NFL to maximize his potential.
