5 players Commanders could have drafted over third-round flop Brandon Coleman

The Washington Commanders are relying on veteran players for now. Adam Peters was forced into this strategy thanks to four years of subpar drafting from the previous head coach, Ron Rivera. And the only way this ethos is going to shift is by stacking good drafts himself.

Peters has had mixed success so far. Most of his 2024 class is still around, but not many are firmly establishing themselves. Almost all of them, aside from Luke McCaffrey, have regressed in some capacity from the previous campaign.

Brandon Coleman's situation is arguably the most concerning of all. The No. 67 overall selection was expected to become the team's long-term starter at left guard this season after Washington traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. He lasted just two games before he was benched in favor of Chris Paul, who's been much more assured despite a few blips along the way.

Not only was Coleman benched, but he's been a healthy scratch since Week 2. This is becoming a nightmare campaign for the TCU product, prompting fans to speculate about whether the lineman has any future in Washington.

Although it's too soon to write off Coleman completely, this pick is starting to look like it's not going to work out. Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have, but here are five players the Commanders could have taken instead.

Players the Commanders could have drafted over Brandon Coleman in 2024

Commanders could have drafted Cooper Beebe

If the Washington Commanders were looking for offensive line help, they might have been better off casting their alluring eyes on Cooper Beebe, who went a few picks after Brandon Coleman. He's had some injury problems, but his overall production and long-term outlook with the Dallas Cowboys is far more stable than Adam Peters' choice right now.

Beebe had experience across the interior in college at Kansas State. The Cowboys immediately transitioned him to the center position after Tyler Biadasz decided to link up with Dan Quinn in Washington. This proved exceptionally fruitful, and it's something the Commanders' bitter division rival is going to benefit from in the coming years.

The second-year pro is an outstanding communicator. Beebe is a crushing force on running plays. Although there is still some refinement needed in pass protection, especially in footwork, the encouraging progress being made suggests that further improvements can be made with a bit of extra work.

Dallas is set to welcome Beebe back from injured reserve sooner rather than later. That's only going to give the Cowboys' league-leading offense another shot in the arm.

Commanders could have drafted Calen Bullock

The Washington Commanders took some bold decisions at the safety position during Adam Peters' first offseason at the helm. Jeremy Chinn joined on a one-year deal. Quan Martin switched to the back end after sending his rookie campaign as a nickel cornerback. Kamren Curl, despite playing well throughout his time with the franchise, wasn't offered a new deal in free agency.

Peters didn't draft anyone, although he did manage to find an undrafted gem in the form of special-teams ace Tyler Owens. Had the Commanders drafted Calen Bullock over Brandon Coleman, who went to the Houston Texans at No. 78 overall, it might be a different story.

Bullock burst onto the scene as a rookie, gaining five interceptions and 54 tackles to earn NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year votes. Things haven't gone as well this time around, but one could say the same for most Texans' defenders aside from the prolific edge rushing tandem of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

Considering how much the Commanders are struggling to find the correct consistency at the safety position this season, the former USC star would have been an asset. Instead, their third-round pick is sitting on the sidelines with hope fading rapidly.

Commanders could have drafted Matt Goncalves

As previously mentioned, there were other routes the Commanders could have taken if they were intent on finding an offensive lineman with their first pick of the third round. Brandon Coleman is a good player, despite going through some glaring growing pains throughout his rookie campaign and the opening two games of 2025 before his benching. However, others taken after him are displaying much more effectiveness.

Matt Gonclaves is one of them. The Pittsburgh product went to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 79 overall, and he's gradually emerged as a highly consistent starter. The AFC South squad is performing well above expectations this season, and their dominant offensive line, keeping resurgent quarterback Daniel Jones clean in the pocket, is a massive reason why.

Much like Cooper Beebe, the ability to adapt is among Gonclaves' most significant strengths. The Colts finally settled on deploying him at the right guard position, and it's paid off handsomely. He's yet to give up a sack this season and has only conceded one penalty from 383 offensive snaps. It's not perfect just yet, but the player has laid the foundations for a productive career if the same trend continues.

That is not the case with Coleman, at least not right now.

Commanders could have drafted Tykee Smith

The Washington Commanders' secondary was expected to be among the team's most significant areas of strength this season. Everyone was healthy, and the reinforcements acquired by general manager Adam Peters left hope that they could finally provide the assurance the team needed to become a much more balanced operation on game days.

Aside from a few flashes of promising consistency, it's been a grave disappointment. They have struggled to cope with some high-octane passing attacks. Some culprits are coming to the fore more than others, but it's just not good enough collectively.

Significant changes could be on the way if things continue as they are. But looking at how Tykee Smith is beginning to establish himself as one of the league's most dynamic safeties, he'd have been a much better option than offensive lineman Brandon Coleman.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Smith at No. 89 overall, and they are getting a substantial return on their investment. His sophomore campaign is going superbly, with seven pass breakups, two sacks, and 58 tackles already accumulated by the former Georgia standout through seven games.

Smith has the look of a future Pro Bowler. His physical style would have fit seamlessly in Washington, but it wasn't to be.

Commanders could have drafted Jalyx Hunt

The Commanders are desperate for younger, more explosive edge rushers. Adam Peters took a risk by going with so many older players at this key position group heading into the 2025 campaign. It's already blown up in his face.

Deatrich Wise Jr. and Dorance Armstrong Jr. — the projected defensive end starting tandem — have now been ruled out for the season. Javontae Jean-Baptiste is also on the shelf. Even recent signing Drake Jackson was stashed on injured reserve, leaving the Commanders thin on the ground when it comes to reliable options.

It's taken a while, but Jalyx Hunt is starting to become an asset to the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected the edge force at No. 94 overall. His snap percentage has surged to 65 this season. He's yet to register a sack, but his 21 pressures suggest that the Houston Christian product could potentially be dominant if he finishes off plays with more conviction.

Coming from a small school to a leading contender was always going to come with an adjustment period. Hunt benefited enormously from being part of Philadelphia's Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2024, and it's clear that the best is yet to come from a player who hasn't even turned 25 years old yet.