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2024 NFL Draft: Bucky Brooks’ pick-by-pick analysis for Round 1
2 – Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels – LSU · QB
It’s rare to find a quarterback prospect with A+ arm talent and rushing ability. Daniels was surrounded by talented playmakers at LSU, but I’d argue he was the biggest playmaker on that offense. He is the prototypical, new-school quarterback as a dynamic athlete who is a refined pocket passer with the touch, accuracy and timing to consistently drop passes in the bucket on deep throws.
36 – Washington Commanders – Jer’Zhan Newton – Illinois · DT
Newton…is a ferocious scheme-wrecker as a 3-technique and probably should have gone higher than this. They might have bypassed offensive tackle for now, with no talent worth taking here, but they interestingly are pretty stocked at defensive tackle.
50 – Washington Commanders – Mike Sainristil – Michigan · CB
One day, Sainristil will be your favorite nickel back’s favorite nickel back. Scouts love the guy in spite of his smaller, leaner frame and despite switching over from receiver only a few years ago. His football instincts are extremely sound, and his intangibles are off the charts. This is a terrific pick for a franchise bent on completely remaking the football culture in Washington.
53 – Washington Commanders – Ben Sinnott – Kansas State · TE
The newfangled Commanders seem to get this draft thing. Their three Day 2 picks so far have all been personal favorites, including Sinnott, whom I appeared to be higher on than some other media draft folks. He’s got some Mark Andrews to his game, as Sinnott can find open spaces readily, has reliable hands and will break tackles in the passing game. He also gives good effort as a blocker.
67 – Washington Commanders – Brandon Coleman – TCU · OG
He was announced as a guard, interestingly, which is not where Coleman played primarily last year — and tackle is certainly the biggest worry in Washington. But he did see time at guard, too, and has the athleticism to work in a Kliff Kingsbury offense predicated on OL movement.
100 – Washington Commanders – Luke McCaffrey – Rice · WR
GM Adam Peters came from San Francisco, where they had another guy with the same last name. This McCaffrey is a converted QB who has settled in nicely at receiver, able to translate his football IQ and athleticism into production. He has good hands, likely will work best in the slot and is regarded as a future coach. Another culture pick for Washington.
139 – Washington Commanders – Jordan Magee – Temple · LB
If Magee is protected well up front, he can fly around and make plays with his energetic style. But his slender frame and lack of take-on strength might limit him to passing-down duty and special teams.
161 – Washington Commanders – Dominique Hampton – Washington · S
Hampton took a longer path to success with the Huskies but developed into a good hitter with experience at multiple spots. Scouts debated where his NFL home might be on defense, but at the very least he carries good special teams experience into the league.
222 – Washington Commanders – Javontae Jean-Baptiste – Notre Dame · Edge
An ideal camp-competition pick, JJB is a middling athlete with some stiffness, but he showed improvement as a super senior and ran back a blocked kick for a touchdown last season.
The Athletic (paywall)
Commanders 2024 NFL Draft takeaways: Jayden Daniels, value adds, remaining needs
Best value pick
Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton. Washington starts Pro Bowlers Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne in the middle. They were both first-round picks and are playing on lucrative second contracts that made them among the highest paid at the position. Phidarian Mathis, a 2022 second-round pick, was limited in his first two seasons because of injuries and is among the reserves.
At first glance, it may seem puzzling for a team coming off a 4-13 season with several areas to address to use its second selection and No. 36 overall pick on a position fortified with strength and investment. However, this move is not just a draft pick, it’s a strategic shift, a testament to a new era in the organization and the team’s strategic timeline. These choices were made under a different regime. And now, with the introduction of Peters, a fresh set of evaluator’s eyes, the team is charting a new course.
Biggest question mark
Coleman joins the left tackle competition with swing tackle Cornelius Lucas. While the veteran Lucas has provided solid work since joining Washington in 2020, he has not been considered a full-time starter. Coleman played extensive snaps at left tackle at TCU, with some guard work mixed in. But taking on NFL pass rushers is an adjustment. Coleman’s transition comes as the Commanders incorporate Daniels into the offense, exposing the uncertainty at the position.
Post-draft outlook
The Commanders have done a credible job revamping the roster, beginning with over 20 free-agent signings followed by these nine selections. It’s a credit to the front office that effectively covered up the holes where none were glaring. However, as expected, considering what Peters inherited, there is still an overall talent deficiency that will take another year of moves to improve sufficiently.
ESPN
Jayden Daniels feels ‘no pressure’ despite Commanders’ QB history
The Washington Commanders have sought a long-term answer at quarterback for longer than Jayden Daniels has been alive.
They’ve started 35 quarterbacks since last winning the Super Bowl after the 1991 season. They’ve started eight over the past four years. Not coincidentally, they’ve won just three playoff games since that championship season.
Not that Daniels, the second pick in the NFL draft Thursday, is worried about that past.
“I don’t feel no pressure,” he said. “I’m going to just come in and just be me.”
The next question, though, is when Daniels will become the full-time starter. Quinn merely said when Daniels is ready, that’s when Washington will have him start.
“There’s no timeline,” Quinn said.
“It is not a given I’m a starter Week 1,” Daniels added. “I got to earn it. I got to learn the playbook, earn the respect of my teammates, and go out there and try to win football games.”
But they know his time will come sooner than later. Quinn said he was sold on Daniels after not just watching the film, but also talking to people at LSU who either worked with him or coached him during his two seasons.
Daniels threw for 6,725 yards, 57 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in two seasons with the Tigers — 40 of those scoring passes occurred during his Heisman Trophy-winning season last fall.
“This is a guy that is a rare competitor,” Quinn said. “Anybody who watches football can say this is a talented guy.”
Washington Post (paywall)
Jayden Daniels has realistic expectations. Commanders fans should, too.
A day after his new boss described him as a lethal franchise-setter capable of snatching the soul of a defense, Daniels reminded an assembly of reporters that he’s just a young quarterback who still needs to learn the playbook.
While Coach Dan Quinn sat in the front row, nodding in agreement as his quarterback spoke, and Peters, who moved offstage after introducing Daniels, beamed like a guy who had just won the lottery, the man of the hour mostly sobered up the place. During his first news conference in Ashburn, Daniels spoke flatly without frills. Nothing he said will appear on a T-shirt one day, nor seemed worthy enough to follow the playbook of Robert Griffin III, who spent his rookie season in Washington trademarking his catchphrases. Well, only if you consider “I’m not a finished product” sexy enough to become the Commanders’ next marketing slogan.
Unlike Griffin and Haskins, Daniels appears to have more sanity surrounding him as he grows into the role. Even more, Daniels appears to possess an appropriate amount of self-awareness that should help him in his journey. The same goes for his inner circle.
“We’re just moving into another phase and challenge that he asked for,” Javon Daniels said of his son. “I’m happy to be here and support him through it … just [proud] to see this come to fruition, but he still has more to do. I’m very proud of him.”
Daniels may wear sunglasses onstage, but beyond the fashionable facade, he’s just a new employee for Washington’s start-up. Stealing the souls of defenses is not a job requirement. Yet.
“I still got more in the tank to learn. I got more ability to tap into. I’m not a finished product. I’m 23 years old, man,” Daniels said. “I’m able to come in and learn a new system and see where I can take it.”
Sports Illustrated
Washington Commanders Wrap ‘Very Successful’ NFL Draft Weekend
The first NFL Draft can be the most important for a lot of general managers and Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters is no different.
This first draft for Peters as a GM and Newmark as an assistant GM will set each of their paths onto a course toward success or failure, and for as much pressure as there surely is there’s an equal amount of optimism and promise.
There are certainly questions still to be answered as many are surprised the team wasn’t more aggressive about addressing their offensive line needs, and there are other positions that could certainly use an influx of talent.
But when you inherit a four-win team it’s important to find and keep, or find and add, the right players for the mission ahead.
Peters and Newmark clearly feel they’ve done that this weekend and offseason, and all that’s left to do now is prove it on the field. That process is already underway, and takes another step forward in two weeks at the Commanders’ rookie minicamp.
Podcasts & videos
Exclusive Interview with Jayden Daniels | Command Center | Washington Commanders
Tweets
The McCaffrey house last night … (via @oliviaculpo) pic.twitter.com/ewgK2mlxY1
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 27, 2024
NFC East links
Blogging the Boys
Cowboys seem prepared to address running back by simply bringing back Ezekiel Elliott
The Cowboys appear ready to address running back by just bringing Ezekiel Elliott back and nothing else of note.
Reports from all over the place are that Dallas bringing Elliott back is inevitable. Stephen Jones reiterated in one of the draft weekend’s press conferences that the team thinks very highly of him and is grateful for all that he has done for the franchise. That very well may be true, but acting as if this being the main plan for 2024 is not exactly living in reality.
Elliott played all 17 games for the Patriots last season (the New England team was so bad that they picked third overall) and carried the ball 184 times for 642 total yards. That comes out to 3.5 yards per carry if you are curious. Also if you are feeling inquisitive, his longest run was well shy of 20 yards.
The Cowboys can say that Zeke will play a role along the likes of Dowdle, Vaughn and Freeman (assuming they all make the team) but does anybody really buy that? Is there anyone here that legitimately believes that in moments of seriousness that they won’t go back to the well that they are lining up to re-visit?
It is unfortunate that Dallas did not have a fourth-round selection when a lot of the top running backs went. The Dallas Morning News’ David Moore noted that if the Cowboys still had the pick that they dealt to the San Francisco 49ers for Trey Lance that they may have been able to get one that they liked.
ESPN
2024 NFL draft grades: Mel Kiper’s winners, losers, sleepers
Washington Commanders: A-
Top needs entering the draft: Quarterback, offensive line, cornerback
The Commanders have undergone a total reset of their franchise over the past year, with a new owner (Josh Harris), general manager (Adam Peters) and coach (Dan Quinn). Peters, who had been in the 49ers’ front office since 2017, had some capital to work with in this draft, with six picks on the first two days.
The first step, though? Picking a quarterback. With 2023 starter Sam Howell traded to Seattle, Washington had its choice of Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy at No. 2 overall. In my rankings, I had Daniels at No. 2, slightly ahead of Maye — No. 6 — with McCarthy nine spots later. In the end, the Commanders went with Daniels, a dual-threat playmaker who won the Heisman Trophy last season, and it was the right call. While he won’t have quite the level of pass-catchers around him as Caleb Williams, Daniels has a true No. 1 in Terry McLaurin and a solid No. 2 in Jahan Dotson. He’s going to thrive in Kliff Kingsbury’s wide-open offense and put up some massive numbers.
I wrote on Friday night about Washington’s Day 2 haul, which is talented and deep. Taking defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (36) is an example of the best-available-prospect approach; he has Pro Bowl upside as an interior pass-rusher. Mike Sainristil (50) is a really fun slot corner who can pick off passes and blitz off the edge. Tight end Ben Sinnott (53) can be an outlet for Daniels and upgrade as a run-blocker. Brandon Coleman (67) is a guard/tackle hybrid who could play early. And while I had other available receivers rated higher than Luke McCaffrey (100), the former quarterback turned heads with his contested-catch ability last season. Of the Day 3 fliers, I give linebacker Jordan Magee (139) the best chance to make the team because of his speed and size.
I really like this class overall, and whether it goes from great to amazing could hinge on Coleman becoming a starter. If he does and Daniels is a star, this could set the foundation for the Commanders returning to the playoffs — in a couple of years.
Philadelphia Eagles: A
Top needs entering the draft: Cornerback, wide receiver, offensive line
There’s no question the Eagles were one of the league’s most disappointing teams in 2023, as they went from Super Bowl LVII to coach Nick Sirianni being on the hot seat following a blowout loss to the Bucs in the wild-card round, all in the span of a year. This is an important draft for Sirianni and GM Howie Roseman, who saw their defense collapse late in the season. They made some solid signings in free agency to help that unit, but I thought they had to go with a cornerback in Round 1 to add an injection of youth to their secondary, even if it meant trading up.
How about one in Round 2, as well? Roseman landed both of my top-ranked corners in Cooper DeJean (40) and Quinyon Mitchell (22), though DeJean has the versatility to play safety too. As I wrote Friday night, the Eagles crushed Day 2, also getting my favorite outside linebacker in the class in Jalyx Hunt (94). All three will help a defense that ranked 30th in points allowed per game (25.2).
New York Giants: B
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, cornerback, quarterback
The Giants were on the clock at No. 6 overall Thursday night, faced with a fascinating decision: Would they take quarterback J.J. McCarthy — which would have been an admission that they regret the Daniel Jones extension from the 2023 offseason — or would they get a true No. 1 wideout for Jones in either Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers? They could start fresh under center or they could give Jones another year with the playmaker he has never had.
Ultimately, I think they made the right call, prioritizing a pass-catcher in Nabers (6), who is electric with the ball in his hands. Jones had a disappointing start to last season and then tore his ACL, but he showed his talent in 2022, when New York made a surprising run to the playoffs. Now he’s going to have one more year to prove he’s the guy, or the franchise will move on in 2025.
I would have taken a few other safeties ahead of Tyler Nubin (47) in Round 2, but you can’t deny his playmaking ability; he had 13 career interceptions for the Golden Gophers.
Dallas Cowboys: B-
Top needs entering the draft: Offensive line, running back, linebacker
The Cowboys have been hamstrung by their salary-cap situation this offseason, resulting in the departures of starters at several key positions, including offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz, running back Tony Pollard and wide receiver Michael Gallup. They haven’t really replaced any of those players; the only free agent addition they’ve made is linebacker Eric Kendricks. That made this draft extra important for Dallas, which absolutely had to take rookie starters in the first and second rounds. So how did team owner Jerry Jones & Co. fare?
Not bad. The Cowboys were able to trade down five spots in Round 1, pick up an extra third-rounder and still get their guy. Tyler Guyton (29) is going to get a chance to be their starter at left tackle, and from what I see on tape, I think he can make the move over from the right side. He has special ability as a pass protector and can get to the second level in a hurry in the run game.
What keeps Dallas from a higher grade? Not taking a running back in place of Liufau, particularly with several really good ones available.
The Athletic (paywall)
Winners and losers from 2024 NFL Draft
Winners
Philadelphia Eagles
General manager Howie Roseman continued his wheeling-and-dealing Saturday, when he pulled off five more trades to finish with a record nine during draft week. The Eagles received some good fortune, as cornerback Quinyon Mitchell fell to them in Round 1. Then Roseman pulled off a trade that positioned them to take another cornerback, Cooper DeJean, in Round 2. From there, Roseman and company continued to both improve the depth of their roster while also stockpiling picks for 2025. For now, the Eagles have nine picks in next year’s draft. That gives Philadelphia a cushion in case the NFL’s investigation of potential tampering with Saquon Barkley reveals any wrong-doing, and the Eagles are docked a pick or two.
Washington Commanders
The moment certainly didn’t appear to be too big for Commanders rookie general manager Adam Peters. Not only did he select Jayden Daniels as the team’s franchise quarterback, but Peters added playmakers on both sides of the ball. He used his eight picks after Daniels to plug holes along the defensive front, in the secondary, at tight end and at the interior of their offensive line.
Losers
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys made additions that will help improve the quality and depth of their offensive line. But it’s hard to look at this week’s selections and feel like Dallas gained ground on the rival Eagles. The Cowboys emerge from the draft with a glaring hole. They needed a quality running back and went the entire draft without selecting one, even though there were plenty of opportunities.
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