The Washington Commanders are entering a brand new era that involves a lot of change, so naturally, there are going to be some guys that see their stock go up or down after free agency and the draft.

Well, now that the draft is over, let's go ahead and dive in and talk about the guys that were directly impacted by the Commanders' 2024 draft class. 

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Winners

1. Kliff Kingsbury

Why: Kingsbury gets Jayden Daniels to work with and the Commanders also added Luke McCaffrey, Ben Sinnott, Brandon Coleman, and ENTER HERE to the mix on offense. That doesn't even include the previously-rostered Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Austin Ekeler, Brian Robinson Jr., and Zach Ertz.

The Commanders offense has a direction and it has its quarterback and skill players. The offensive line is what holds the key to the amount of immediate success to be had, but Kingsbury has what he needs, for the most part, to instill an identity in DC.

2. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne

Why: Two words – Johnny Newton.

Allen and Payne were the only semblance of a pass rush after the Commanders traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat in 2023 and while Washington added some guys in free agency, the two Pro Bowlers were still going to be the focal point.

And that's fine, but they need help. Enter Newton, a top-25 player that fell to the Commanders at 36. He provides an immediate boost to the Commanders' interior defensive line and allows Allen and Payne to take breathers without the pass rush dipping, too much.

I'm sure Quinn and Whitt Jr. will be drawing up some special packages for him, too. But in the end, it's Allen and Payne that benefits the most.

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3. Chris Rodriguez Jr.

I didn't think Rodriguez Jr. was in any "trouble, per se, coming into the draft. In fact, I think his ability and willingness to play special teams will help him hold onto the RB3 job into the season.

But still, it would've been interesting, and worrisome on his end, if the Commanders drafted a running back. But, they didn't. And while they can still sign some in the UDFA period, it would've signaled much more if one was actually drafted. 

Unless someone just comes out of nowhere, it's safe to assume the running back room is good to go in terms of who is at the top.

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Losers

1. OT Braeden Daniels

Why: All of a sudden, the Commanders tackle room is very crowded and Daniels, a fourth-round pick in 2023, is on the outside looking in.

Teams typically don't carry four tackles on a 53-man roster: it's the two starters and a swing. Right now, Cornelius Lucas and Andrew Wylie are the presumed starters, with rookie Brandon Coleman slotting in at swing (his ability to kick inside also makes him valuable). 

Peters and Quinn didn't draft Daniels, so there's no connection, either. In all, Daniels is going to have to work his tail off if he wants to make the roster.

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2. WR Olamide Zaccheaus

Why: Zaccheaus is a slot guy and the Commanders drafted Luke McCaffrey, a slot guy, with the 100th pick.

No one ever really expected Zaccheaus to come in and shock the world, but at the same time, he had a big opportunity to carve out a nice role. Before the arrival of McCaffrey, of course.

The good news is the receiver room is unsettled behind McLaurin, Dotson, and I'll even go ahead and throw in McCaffrey even though that's not guaranteed. Still, you get the picture: Zaccheaus' stock has definitely taken a hit, but it's not completely wiped out.

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