Grading the Commanders' 2024 Draft Class: Jayden Daniels over Drake Maye was the right choice
Man, I don't think the first NFL Draft under the new Washington Commanders era could have gone any better for Adam Peters and co.Washington not only found it's quarterback of the future, but landed a top-25 player in the second round and pulled off a Day 2 trade that not only snagged an extra second-rounder […]
Man, I don't think the first NFL Draft under the new Washington Commanders era could have gone any better for Adam Peters and co.
Washington not only found it's quarterback of the future, but landed a top-25 player in the second round and pulled off a Day 2 trade that not only snagged an extra second-rounder off the rival Philadelphia Eagles – it helped the Commanders land a guy Nick Saban called the "best football player, pound-for-pound, in the draft".
So, without further ado, let's dive into the final grades for the Commanders' 2024 draft class.
Round 1, No. 2 overall: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU Tigers
Breaking down the pick: Daniels over Drake Maye was ultimately the right call. Not only is Daniels ahead in his development, but he's a better fit in Kliff Kingsbury's offense.
It's mostly because of his elite rushing ability, but in a game where "every inch matters", what seems like a slight advantage can make a big difference on the football field.
Daniels can make all the throws, he's an excellent leader, and he has an elite work ethic that can help him reach his potential. And if he does, the Commanders will have a franchise QB for the first time in what feels like an eternity.
Final Grade: A
Round 2, No. 36 overall: DL Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton, Illinois Fighting Illini
Breaking down the pick: Newton is a first-round talent. Many draft experts had him going in the top-27, at worst, and NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah had him as a top-25 player, overall. The Athletic's Dane Brugler had him as the 28th best player in the draft.
The fact Newton fell to the Commanders at 36 is a big deal.Newton projects to be a starting-level 3T in the NFL. He has the quickness, power, and physicality to disrupt interior offensive lines on a weekly basis and all of the aforementioned traits certainly show up on tape.
It'll be interesting to see how Quinn uses Newton with Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen on the roster, but at worst, he can give those guys a breather and the pass rush won't drop off, too much.
Final Grade: A
Round 2, No. 50 overall (from CHI via PHI): CB Mike Sainristil, Michigan Wolverines
Breaking down the pick: It's very rare to get an A+ draft grade, in any context, yet that's exactly what the Commanders deserve, here.
For starters, Sainristil is an excellent player that will come in and make an immediate impact both on and off the field. Secondly, the Commanders traded back 10 spots, got an extra second-rounder in the process from the Eagles and still managed to land Sainristil.
The trade was more impressive than the pick, as the Commanders brought in picks Nos. 50 and 53 – two second-rounders just three picks apart. They traded 78, but that was one of three third-rounders and they also got a sixth-rounder back, in return.
It was a masterclass by Adam Peters and if this trade is his standard, the Commanders' future is in excellent hands.
Final Grade: A+
Round 3, No. 53 overall (from PHI): TE/H-back Ben Sinnott, Kansas State Wildcats
Breaking down the pick: Sinnott is a fun pick. He's more of an H-back than a true tight end, but that's a good thing for an offense like Kliff Kingsbury's.
For those unfamiliar with the position, think Kyle Juszczyk in San Francisco or Alec Ingold in Miami. Sinnott will line up all over the formation and will be used in a variety of ways from pass catching, to run and pass blocking. He may even take a handoff in certain situations.
With Zach Ertz on the roster, the Commanders have a true "Y" tight end, which allows Sinnott to be put in advantageous situations that help the offense.
Final Grade: B
Round 3, No. 100 overall (from SF/comp pick): WR Luke McCaffrey, Rice Owls
Breaking down the pick: This pick is pretty early when factoring in McCaffrey's pre-draft evaluations, but the Commanders don't have a fourth round pick and don't pick until No. 139 in Round 5 – it's kind of like when you are drafting No. 2 in a snaking fantasy football draft and you have to take the eighth-best guy because they're your favorite prospect and you know he won't be there when you pick again.
McCaffrey is a solid route-runnner with good hands. He should be able to work underneath while Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson do their thing. Either way, he's a QB-friendly target, which only helps Daniels' growth.
Final Grade: B-
Round 5, No. 139 overall: LB Jordan Magee, Temple Owls
Breaking down the pick: Linebacker definitely wasn't a need, as a whole, coming into the draft. But if you wanted to break it down position by position, then yea, you could make an argument that WILL, in particular, needed some depth.
That's exactly what Magee provides. He's fast and rangy, but a bit undersized and his lower body could really stand to add some bulk. It's likely Quinn and Whitt Jr. envision him as that tweener saftey/linebacker-type player they love to use in dime packages, so it won't be a surprise if that's how he's used.
He will also push former first-rounder, Jamin Davis, which is a good thing, too. Overall, it's a sensible pick, but there were other spots that could have been addressed.
Final Grade: C+
Round 5, No. 161 overall (from PHI): DB Dominique Hampton, Washington Huskies
Breaking down the pick: All of a sudden, the Commanders safety room is awfully crowded with six guys that can play the position.
Fortunately for Hampton, he's a fast, tall, long, athletic guy who can play special teams. The latter part is most important, because the top-3 guys are probably set in Quan Martin, Jeremy Chinn, and Jeremy Reaves, and teams typically don't carry more than four safeties.
Hampton is a former cornerback, which is something to like. He seems like another guy who can play different positions, which fits a common theme in this draft.
Final Grade: B
Round 7, No. 222 overall: DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Breaking down the pick: Another Dan Quinn pick, JJB represents a full slate of defensive picks on Day 3.
JJB had a pretty disappointing career at Notre Dame until last year, when he finally started to flash. He doesn't have dominant traits and it's a concern that it took so long for the light to come on. But, maybe, it burns brighter than ever, now that it's on.
We'll see. But ultimately, it's a seventh-round pick, so what's the real harm?
Final Grade: C
Final Grade: A
The Commanders hit a grand slam in the form of this draft. They got their franchise QB in Jayden Daniels, they landed a top-25 player in the second round, and they made a stellar trade in the second round that nabbed two players that should make Day 1 impacts.
The biggest non-player takeaway from the draft is the process in which Adam Peters went about his business. He was shrewd and calculated and he addressed needs without reaching for guys.
If this draft is a sign of things to come, then the Washington franchise is in a great spot and will certainly get back to the glory days. But as with all things in the NFL: only time will tell.
