WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Round 1 (No. 2 overall) — Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU: Daniels, 23, who won the Heisman Trophy last season, projects as this draft’s top dualthreat QB. He’s been widely compared to Lamar Jackson, though is a more advanced passer than the two-time league MVP was at this stage if not quite as electric an open-field runner. Daniels (6-4, 210 pounds) should learn from experienced OC Kliff Kingsbury.
Round 2 (36) — Jer’Zhan Newton, OT, Illinois The Big Ten’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who’s 6-2 and 304 pounds, is strong, tough, twitchy and certainly disruptive enough to make an impact right away.
Round 2 (50, from Saints through Eagles) — Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan: Could be this year’s premier nickel, the converted receiver picking off six passes in 2023. The All-American’s reputation as a leader should be a nice fit for a rebooting defense in D.C.
Round 2 (53, from Eagles) — Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State: The two-time All-Big 12 stud had 49 catches for 676 yards last year but is also an effective blocker – a nice suite of traits when you’re charged with helping a fellow rookie at quarterback.
Round 3 (67) — Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU: Whether at guard or tackle, the 6-5, 313-pounder should upgrade the blocking in front of Daniels in 2024.
Round 3 (100, special compensatory selection from 49ers) — Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice: Christian’s younger brother has 4.4 speed and comes off a big season for the Owls (71 catches for 992 yards and 13 TDs).
Round 5 (139) — Jordan Magee, LB, Temple: Washington signed Bobby Wagner in free agency and Magee could benefit from learning behind the ninetime Pro Bowl player. Magee’s athleticism will come in handy in coverage.
Round 5 (161, from Buccaneers through Eagles) — Dominique Hampton, S, Washington: Hampton’s size-speed combo (6-2, 215 pounds) will serve him well but he needs to improve his discipline in coverage.
Round 7 (222) — Javontae JeanBaptiste, DE, Notre Dame: Jean-Baptiste’s motor and quickness are intriguing despite his leaner frame.