Washington Commanders NFL draft picks 2024: Full list of team's round-by-round selections
Here is a 2024 NFL draft pick-by-pick breakdown for the Washington Commanders:
Round 1 (No. 2 overall) — Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU: Make that two teams in a row opting for former Heisman winners tasked with settling long-festering quarterback problems. Daniels, 23, who won college football’s most prestigious award last season, projects as this draft’s top dual threat QB – comfortable with picking apart defenses from the pocket or breaking their backs with an 80-yard run. He’s been widely compared to Lamar Jackson, though is a far more advanced passer than the two-time league MVP was at this stage if not quite as electric an open-field runner.
The Commanders will have to do a better job protecting Daniels – and he’ll have to be more judicious about breaking the pocket in the NFL – given the cautionary tale of former Washington QB Robert Griffin III, who was never the same player after tearing up his knee and absorbing heavy contact throughout his 2012 rookie season. At 6-4, 210 pounds, Daniels has a slender frame, like RG3, and a tendency to put it in harm’s way while trying to pick up a few extra yards at the end of already profitable plays. It should help him to be teamed with experienced OC Kliff Kingsbury – he’s worked with the likes of Mahomes, Williams and Kyler Murray over the years – and playmakers like WRs Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson and RB Austin Ekeler. Daniels could be the player who exemplifies the reset of a franchise under new ownership and hoping to soon notch its first postseason win in nearly two decades. Draft tracker
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. Does his arrival signal Jonathan Allen or Daron Payne could be moving on? Draft tracker
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. Draft tracker
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 (Jayden Daniels) at quarterback. Draft tracker
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. Yet another team captain as Washington seems to be loading up on character. Draft tracker
Round 3 (100, special compensatory selection from 49ers) — Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice: Washington ends Day 2 by taking CMC's younger brother, a slot receiver after converting from quarterback. McCaffrey has 4.4 speed and comes off a big season for the Owls (71 catches for 992 yards and 13 TDs). Could be a nice option for fellow rookie Jayden Daniels between WRs Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Draft tracker
Round 5 (139) — Jordan Magee, LB, Temple: Washington signed Bobby Wagner in free agency and Magee could benefit from learning behind the nine-time Pro Bowl player. Magee's athleticism will come in handy in coverage and he plays hard against the run despite his smaller frame. Draft tracker
Round 5 (161, from Buccaneers through Eagles) — Dominique Hampton, S, Washington: Hampton put on a show at the combine considering his size. That size-speed combination will serve him well in the NFL as he needs to improve his discipline in coverage. He had just two career interceptions in college despite 57 games played. His tools make him a rotational safety for a Commanders defense in need of assistance at all levels. Draft tracker
Round 7 (222) — Javontae Jean-Baptiste, DE, Notre Dame: Washington's defensive line needs all the help in can get at edge. Jean-Baptiste's motor and quickness are intriguing despite his leaner frame. He plays hard against the run but could struggle to hold up long term. Draft tracker
Washington Commanders' recent top draft picks
2023 (No. 16 overall): Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
2022 (No. 16 overall): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
2021 (No. 19 overall): Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
2020 (No. 2 overall): Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
2019 (No. 15 overall): Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
Previous drafts: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020
2024 NFL draft: Every team's picks
NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Washington Commanders NFL draft picks 2024: Round-by-round selections
