The first wave of NFL free agency is over and the 2024 season has officially started and sure enough, the Washington Commanders' roster already looks much different than it did a few days ago

As expected, draft plans for 2024 have already changed. The team has filled holes at center, tight end, EDGE, and a couple other positions, while adding depth, as well.  

We've already discussed the Round 1 draft target since the first wave ended, so naturally, it's time to move on to Round 2, where Washington has picks at Nos. 36 and 40.

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The Commanders need to add Penn St. EDGE Adisa Isaac with the 36th overall pick in the draft

The Commanders filled two spots on the offensive line by signing Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti, but they still have a big question at tackle – especially at left tackle. However, I do think they bring in Tyron Smith to fill that spot for a year or two.

Therefore, EDGE is where Quinn and co. should focus next. Even if they signed three guys in free agency, already.

The key with those guys is, outside Dorance Armstrong, they're depth/rotational guys. Dante Fowler Jr. has clearly shown he's a better rotational guy and while Clelin Ferrell was once a top-5 pick, he's obviously not starting material.

Adding an explosive guy who can get around the edge like Issac would be a great complementary piece to the pass rush and it would give the Commanders a foundational piece to develop for the future. Plus, he'd receive a ton of 1-on-1s with Armstrong on one side and DaRon Payne/Jonathan Allen in the middle.

It'd be the perfect situation to plug in a high-upside player that just needs time to craft his game.

Previous pick: Duke C Graham Barton

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Michigan CB Mike Sainristil is still the guy at No. 40

Kendall Fuller is still on the market, so there's a chance he returns to Washington and it's a fit that makes sense. And even though Quan Martin played a good amount of nickel last year, he's best in centerfield/playing a true safety position. All that leaves the Commanders with a need at nickel, still, after the first wave of free agency. 

Enter Mike Sainristil.

A big combine performance vaulted Sainristil into Round 2 and while No. 40 may be a bit pricey, he won't be there at No. 67, so the move is to take him, here. Yes, I realize Washington can trade back, but we are forgoing that for sake of making too much up. 

The 5-foot-9, 182-pound Sainristil is at the top of that nickel cornerback group. He solidified himself as a late-Day 2 prospect on Friday, jumping 40 inches in the vertical, jumping 10-foot-11 in the broad and running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. As a converted receiver, his ball skills and change-of-direction ability really stand out; he had six interceptions in 2023. Teams that are looking for an immediate starter at nickel have to be excited about Sainristil's workout. – Jordan Reid, ESPN

If Washington brings back Fuller or adds a top corner in free agency (a trade for L'Jarius Sneed, signing Stephon Gimore?), drafting Sainristil would instantly have this secondary on its way back from a disastrous 2023 campaign. Even with just Sainristil, it would be in a much better spot.

Previous pick: Washington EDGE Bralen Trice

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Final Word

Round 2 is a lot more clear after the first intial wave of free agency. The Commanders could've picked just about any spot along the offensive line, EDGE, tight end, safety, linebacker – you name it. But now, with the first moves, the focus is much more narrow. 

Still, there are a plethora of options that could float to the surface as we progress through the next few weeks. And that's the beauty of the NFL offseason. 

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Washington Commanders and eight-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith are a good fit for obvious reasons

The Washington Commanders made a series of roster moves on Friday and it included the release of former starting left tackle, Charles Leno Jr.  So, now, obviously, Washington is in need of a proven guy to protect the blindside of Sam Howell or presumably, the eventual No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. […]

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