Day 2 – SB Nation 2024 Mock Draft Extravaganza – The Commanders are nearly on the clock!

It’s almost time for the real thing! Until then, we get the next best thing.

Each year, just before the actual draft, enterprising individuals from various SBNation blogs take it upon themselves to organize a site-wide full mock draft, with (ideally) writers/posters from each of the team blogs picking on behalf of their team. This year, I will be picking on behalf of the Washington Commanders and tracking progress here. The draft will take place on Discord.

During Day 1, Washington added a future franchise QB and one of the most talented tackle prospects in the draft. A superb athlete who could hold down the left tackle position for a decade, if developed properly. Washington has three picks remaining on Day 2 of the draft.

Think of this draft as a series of thought exercises, not simply a rote duplication of what we can expect come late April in Detroit. It’s may not to be to everyone’s taste. Last year’s exercise can be found here.

Schedule

4/12 – 8 PM EDT / 5 PM PDT (Round 1)

4/13 – 1pm EDT / 10 AM PDT (Rounds 2-3)

4/14 – 1pm EDT / 10 AM PDT (Rounds 4-7)

This page should be updated in fairly close to real time once the draft begins on 4/13.

Round 1, Pick 2 – Jayden Daniels, QB (LSU)

In a move that I telegraphed earlier in the week, Adam Peters and his band of merry men make Jayden Daniels the Commanders’ next franchise quarterback. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner is widely considered to be the second best quarterback in the class by shrewd film evaluators with several even considering him to have the highest potential ceiling in the class.

By several accounts, he should be a great fit for Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive system, and I can’t wait to see him on the field this fall, tearing up opponents through the air and on the ground.

Much of the rest of this draft will be committed to surrounding him with talent for the coming season and beyond.

In-Draft Trade: Washington sends 36 and 67 to Minnesota for 23. Per the Rich Hill Trade Chart, this represents a slight gain of value for Washington of 4 points (a late 6th rounder). Minnesota’s pick is worth 245 pts compared to the 241 points of Washington’ picks. More importantly though, this allows Washington to move back into the first to grab a premium talent at a position of need.

Round 1, Pick 23 (from Minnesota) – Amarius Mims, OT (Alabama)

Washington needs tackles, and I was able to move up and get one of the best in the draft:

Amarius Mims is a standout OT prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, showcasing a rare blend of size, athleticism, and strength. His journey to the draft is reminiscent of other late bloomers who made a significant impact in their final collegiate seasons. Despite a limited number of starts and concerns regarding his durability, Mims’ physical attributes and on-field performances have kept him in the conversation for a high-draft pick.

His ability to adapt to various along the offensive line, combined with his innate physical talents, make him an option for NFL teams looking for a cornerstone offensive tackle who isn’t quite ready yet but who possesses great upside.

Round 2, Pick 36

Round 2, Pick 40 (from Chicago for Montez Sweat)

Round 3, Pick 67

Round 3, Pick 78

Round 3, Pick 100 (from SF for Chase Young)

Round 5, Pick 139

Round 5, Pick 152

Round 7, Pick 222

I look forward to your thoughts in the comments below:

Draft Progression: (Day 1 picks can be found here)

33.