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SNIDER: Commanders draft finds strength in numbers

By Rick SniderApr 23, 2024

Quarterback will be the barometer of the Washington Commanders draft success, but rebuilding the roster depends more on their five picks in the second and third rounds.

There isn’t much the Commanders don’t need after a 4-13 season. The roster is expected to turn over 60 percent for the first time since 1945 when World War II vets returned. Washington not only needs to pick a new quarterback with the No. 2 overall selection on Thursday, but turn two second-rounders into a quality left offensive tackle and fill holes at inside linebacker, cornerback and tight end with its three third-rounders.

First-rounders should always start. Second-rounders usually start. Third-rounders sometimes start and are valued reserves.

It’s that simple. General manager Adam Peters will be quickly judged on the passer, but second and third-rounders can make this draft succeed.

The two second-rounders – No. 36 and 40 (Montez Sweat trade) – could be combined to jump back into the first round to gain a left tackle. It is critical to find Charles Leno’s replacement to protect a rookie passer’s blindside. There is no Plan B unless expecting veteran reserve Cornelius Lucas to start. Lucas is a nice spot starter, but this is a big ask over a season.

Washington probably surrenders both seconds to return to the first round where six offensive linemen are expected to be chosen. Maybe the No. 23 overall pick will be available. Minnesota is expected to trade it in moving up to draft a passer so the other team might be willing to flip that selection again.

Alabama tackle JC Latham could be available if he falls that far. The only problem is Latham is arguably the fifth-best tackle in this class. Does Washington want to spend so much capital to get the fifth best tackle? Maybe including a third-rounder could move them higher.

If trading second-rounders, Washington likely uses its three third-rounders to move into the second round. But, the Commanders need to be careful of running through numbers. The two fifth- and seventh-rounders don’t often count in roster building while the team doesn’t have fourth- and sixth-rounders. So, Washington could come away with a handful of players from the opening three rounds and little else. Time will only tell if that works.

One draft can change a franchise. For Washington, it was 1981. Mark May was the first-rounder and Russ Grimm the second rounder. Grimm is a Pro Football Hall of Famer at guard while May was a valuable member of the famed Hogs at guard. Defensive end Dexter Manley was the fifth-rounder and became the team’s career sack leader. Receiver Charlie Brown (eighth), defensive tackle Darryl Grant (ninth) and tight end Clint Didier (12th) were solid starters. Famed left tackle Joe Jacoby was a rookie free agent. Those three offensive linemen formed the foundation of three Super Bowl champions.

Quarterbacks always get the attention, but don’t sleep on the second and third rounds. They made dictate whether Washington returns to respectability quickly.

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