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: Matt Miller, ESPN
Selection: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M (March 27)
Analysis: The 6-5 Stewart put on a show at the combine after losing 14 pounds from the Senior Bowl (281 to 267), running a 4.59 40 while leaping 40 inches in the vertical and 10 feet, 11 inches in the broad jump. He has the length, speed and power of an All-Pro, but he must learn how to turn his traits into production. He only had 4.5 sacks in three college seasons (1.5 each year) and his run defense impact doesn't jump off the tape. He's the ultimate upside prospect with double-digit sack potential. Stewart would be a huge steal here if he can put everything together, but the disconnect between his measurables and on-field production could cause him to fall to this point.
Expert: Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (March 27)
Analysis: To Washington's credit, it has been able to find some plug-and-play veterans to fill premium positions but it needs to identify pieces to its future on defense. Donovan Ezeiruaku is a key part to that vision.
Expert: Jacob Camenker, USA Today
Selection: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss (March 26)
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: Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Selection: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (March 25)
Analysis: The motivation to build around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels could prompt the Commanders to take a playmaker early.
Expert: Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College* (March 26)
Analysis: There are only a few first-round edge rushers left at this point, and the Commanders know that is by far their biggest need after losing their sack leader, Dante Fowler, to the Dallas Cowboys. So, if they want one, they'll have to get ahead of the Detroit Lions (at No. 28) who clearly want one, too. Ezeiruaku likely won't be the sack machine in the NFL that he was in college, but Washington coach Dan Quinn will find a way to make him a dangerous part of their rush.
*In this mock draft Vacchiano has the Commanders trading up from No. 29 to No. 24 with the Minnesota Vikings.
Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Selection: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (March 26)
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. PThe Commanders are glad to end Johnson's fall and let him learn the intricacies of playing an outside corner spot in the NFL.
Expert: Josh Liskiewitz, Pro Football Focus
Selection: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame (March 24)
Analysis: Watts is the best ball-hawking safety in this class, thanks to his intelligence and ability to break on the football. That will have him drafted somewhere on Day 2, even with his tackling woes.
Expert: Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN
Selection: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky (March 25)
Analysis: The Commanders did add Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene, but I'm still pursuing playmakers in the secondary. Hairston plays to his 4.28 timed speed and had six INTs and 13 pass breakups over the past two seasons. Give him time to develop, and the Commanders could have themselves a solid starter on the outside.
Expert: Nate Tice and Charles McDonald
Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (March 25)
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: Connor Rogers, Yahoo Sports
Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (March 24)
Analysis: Pearce is a speed rusher who often attacks like a power edge, making his projection a little foggy. I think Dan Quinn's defensive staff is perfect to get the best version out of him and they still need edge pass rush help.
Expert: Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Selection: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall (March 21)
Analysis: Head coach Dan Quinn takes a shot on Green's speed late in the first round. He'd be a designated pass rusher as a rookie but could round out his game to become a starter pretty swiftly.
Expert: Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated
Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (March 25)
Analysis: After entering the season as a likely top-10 pick, Pearce rode a rollercoaster of inconsistency and now finds his stock in flux. The 6' 5", 243-pounder is still, however, an explosive, productive pass rusher with a pair of first-team All-SEC honors under his belt. Pearce is a pure speed rusher with tremendous burst, and he totaled 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons.
