NFL Draft Q&A: Washington Commanders intel, needs and more

The 2024 NFL Draft, hosted in Detroit, begins on April 25. Since USC quarterback Caleb Williams is widely expected to be drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears, the event really begins when the Washington Commanders, owners of the No. 2 overall pick, make their selection.  

In preparation for the draft, we're answering some of the biggest questions pertaining to the Commanders. 

What venue will the draft be held at, and who will televise the event?

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in downtown Detroit, surrounding Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. ABC, ESPN and NFL Network will televise the event, which can be streamed on several platforms such as NFL+, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. 

Fans can also check out six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick in his first post-NFL gig during Thursday's first round on ESPN+ and YouTube, as the 72-year-old will co-host "The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular." 

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft begins on April 25 at 8 p.m. ET, while rounds two and three start at 7 p.m. ET on April 26. Rounds four through seven will be held on April 27 at noon ET. 

How has the Commanders' offseason unfolded so far? 

Washington underwent several massive changes to kick off its first offseason under majority owner Josh Harris, most notably hiring former San Francisco 49ers executive Adam Peters as general manager and ex-Cowboys DC Dan Quinn as head coach. 

Having entered free agency with the most cap space in the NFL, Peters signed proven veterans in hopes of improving the team's culture, including LBs Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, along with RB Austin Ekeler. Additionally, Washington traded former starting quarterback Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks, signaling that it will be selecting his replacement early in the draft. 

How many picks do the Commanders have? 

Due to previous trades, the Commanders own nine selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, six of which are top-100 picks. Here is a complete list of Washington's draft picks. 

• Round 1: No. 2 overall
• Round 2: Nos. 36 and 40 
• Round 3: Nos. 67, 78 and 100
• Round 5: Nos. 139 and 152
• Round 7: No. 222

What are the Commanders' biggest positional needs entering the draft?

Quarterback, secondary and edge-rusher.

As mentioned, after parting ways with Howell, the Commanders are in need of a new signal-caller who they will likely select with their first-round pick. And while Washington has added talent to its defense this offseason, the unit still needs a considerable amount of help. After all, the Commanders allowed the most passing yards (4,627) and passing touchdowns (39) in the NFL last season and dealt edge-rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young to Chicago and San Francisco, respectively, at the trade deadline. 

Who could the Commanders target in the first round? 

LSU QB Jayden Daniels: The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner is listed as the odds-on favorite to be the second overall pick (-200), according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Daniels spent his first three collegiate seasons at Arizona State before transferring to LSU, where he developed into one of the best players in the country. Last season, Daniels racked up 4,946 yards of total offense (3,812 passing and 1,134 rushing) and 50 total touchdowns, becoming the first player in FBS history to finish his career with 12,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards. 

UNC QB Drake Maye: If the Commanders make the somewhat shocking decision to pass on Daniels, Maye will almost surely be their selection. The 21-year-old is considered more of a raw talent than Daniels, but might have greater potential. Despite playing with a poor supporting cast compared to the one Daniels worked with at LSU, Maye threw for 7,929 yards and 62 touchdowns across his two seasons as a starter. 

Which prospects could be in play for the Commanders later in the draft? 

Western Michigan edge-rusher Marshawn Kneeland: The former Bronco is seen as a fringe first-round prospect, but could ultimately be available at Washington's No. 36 pick. The Commanders have done their homework on Kneeland, having recently hosted him on a top-30 visit. On the surface, Kneeland's 4.5 sacks last season don't seem particularly impressive, though his 89.7 Pro Football Focus defense grade is the fifth-highest among draft-eligible edge-rushers. 

Texas TE Ja'Tavion Sanders: Although the Commanders replaced TE Logan Thomas, who was released earlier this offseason, with veteran Zach Ertz, it would be beneficial to add a younger player at the position capable of developing into a starter. Sanders, arguably the second-best tight end prospect in the draft, could be a worthwhile Day 2 selection for Washington. In 2023, the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder caught 45 passes for 682 yards and two touchdowns.

Boston College CB Elijah Jones: A projected fourth-round pick, the lengthy cornerback is bringing plenty of experience to the NFL, having spent six seasons at Boston College, four of which he served as a regular starter. Jones, a first-team All-ACC selection, collected 25 total tackles, five interceptions, eight pass breakups and one forced fumble in just nine games last season. The ballhawk would be an ideal fit for a Commanders defense that only had eight interceptions in 2023, tied for the second-fewest among teams.