After all of the hype and buildup, it's crazy to think we are entering the final day of the 2024 NFL Draft. It feels like it just started.
Either way, the Washington Commanders have done an outstanding job as the franchise enters the final home stretch. So far, Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have added five players and four of them have an excellent shot at making an immediate impact in 2024.
But, there's still a few more holes to fill on day three. So, let's go ahead and dive in.
1. Defensive end
The Commanders got a steal in Jer'Zahn "Johnny" Newton at No. 36 in the second round, but he's more of an inside guy/3T and his actual role remains to be seen.
Quinn's defense could stand to add a developmental guy who provides depth and can maybe come in, every now and then, on obvious passing downs and provide some kind of spark. We're not talking about a Day 1 impact, here. Just someone who can contribute ocassional, meaningful snaps in what will be a 3-4 man rotation throughout the year.
Potential Options: Washington State DE Brennan Jackson, UConn DE Eric Watts, Texas Tech DE Myles Cole
2. Tight end
Yes, the team drafted Ben Sinnott on Day 2 and while he'll be able to play in-line snaps, he's more of an H-back who can be utilized as a "Y" tight end. Still, Zach Ertz is 33 and is a year-to-year situation, at this point.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to add a guy that can come in and develop behind the two aforementioned players, especially with the tight end talent still on the board. Going off pre-draft evaluations, mainly The Athletic's Dane Brugler, there are four tight ends left with Day 2 grades and on top of those guys, about seven more TEs worth being drafted on Day 3.
The Commanders are in line to score some major value, while also getting a potential, long-term weapon for Jayden Daniels. What's not to like, here?
Potential options: Florida State TE Jaheim Bell, Penn State TE Theo Johnson
3. Wide receiver
Why not take a risk on a talented guy later in the draft? The Commanders could use a big-bodied guy in the lineup and there will certainly be prospects in the ilk on Saturday. Someone who can go up and high point the ball, box guys out, and maybe even be used in red zone packages would be an ideal pick on Day 3.
Even with the Luke McCaffrey pick, the Commanders' receiver depth is shaky and Brycen Tremaine is the only guy currently over 6-foot-2 on the roster, so it makes all the sense in the world to add a big, athletic receiver to the mix.
Potential options: Michigan WR Cornelius Johnson, Florida State WR Johnny Wilson, Pittsburgh WR Bub Means
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