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: Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Selection: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall (April 2)
Analysis: The Commanders have signed veterans to play on the edge but lack a true speed demon. Green's flexibility and quickness would give opposing offensive tackles fits, and he's also willing to throw in a bull rush if given the chance.
Expert: Gilberto Manzano, Sports Illustrated
Selection: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon (April 2)
Analysis: The Commanders have bigger needs at edge rusher, but they can't afford to reach for a defense that requires immediate help at various positions. Harmon is an effective pass rusher and would help with the loss of Jonathan Allen, who joined the Vikings in free agency.
Expert: Field Yates, ESPN
Selection: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (April 2)
Analysis: The Commanders added veteran defensive back Will Harris in free agency to replace Jeremy Chinn, but Emmanwori could have some appeal to their defensive staff, given Dan Quinn's history of using safeties in creative ways. Emmanwori's physical tools are off the charts; he ran a 4.38 in the 40 at the combine despite weighing 220 pounds. He also jumped 43 inches in the vertical. Emmanwori is a menace with the football in his hands and took two of his four interceptions to the house last season.
Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Selection: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan* (April 2)
Analysis: The Vikings get their wish, and trade back with Washington for the Commanders to get the high-upside Johnson, who's coming off an injury and a down 2024.
*This mock draft has the Commanders trading up from No. 29 to No. 24 with the Minnesota Vikings.
Expert: John Kosko, Pro Football Focus
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama (April 3)
Analysis: Sure, it's not a big need after Bobby Wagner signed on for another season, but there is no better player to learn from and Campbell's athleticism and speed can erase passing lanes.
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: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Selection: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss (April 1)
Analysis: Amos is a smooth-hipped corner with natural man-cover talent who would give the Commanders better size to match up on the outside.
Expert: Nate Davis, USA Today
Selection: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (April 1)
Analysis: He has a freakish combination of size (6-3, 220) and athleticism (4.38 40, 43-inch vertical at the combine) and can cause havoc in the box or in coverage. And for a team that needs safety help, what better option than a player who resembles Kam Chancellor – a "Legion of Boom" veteran … like Washington LB Bobby Wagner and HC Dan Quinn.
Expert: Walter Football
Selection: Colston Loveland, TE, MIchigan (April 1)
Analysis: Colston Loveland made clutch catches during Michigan's championship run. He projects as a decent blocker as well.
Expert: James Foster, The 33rd Team
Selection: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (April 3)
Analysis: Washington selects Omarion Hampton, a sturdy downhill runner with excellent contact balance. Hampton has reliable hands and is a brick wall in pass protection. His vision and creativity are average, but he does a good job getting north and south and churning out tough yards.
Expert: Carmen Vitali, FOX Sports
Selection: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State (April 3)
Analysis: The Commanders have a great roster. There aren't many obvious needs. When there aren't many obvious needs, what do you do? Add a pass-rusher. Tuimoloau seems like a Dan Quinn guy, someone who could fit right into those speed packages Quinn loves so much.
Expert: Cameron Sheath, Pro Football Network
Selection: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall (April 3)
Analysis: A former wide receiver, Green's speed and agility helped him amass 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in 2024. His physical measurements will likely see him overlooked by some teams, but his production is impossible to ignore.
