The Commanders finished with the worst record in the NFC East but they are not in a bad position. The team, led by Sophomore QB Sam Howell had flashes of greatness offensively. This team easily could have won more games but it seemed like the team was comfortable with just playing and seeing how each game went.
Washington put up a fight against many teams, nearly making a 20 point comeback with the Jets. The run defense, however was the one part of the team that struggled significantly that game and ultimately resulted in a loss. The defense only got worse after trading both of their best players in Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
The move to trade these two talented defensive anchors was puzzling to many as the Commanders didn’t receive much for either. This move just before the trade deadline confirmed that Washington was going for a full rebuild. Now with a 3rd round pick (for Chase Young) and a second round pick (for Montez Sweat), the team was ready to scout for the 2024 draft.
Draft Targets to Make the Commanders a Winning Team
The Commanders have the second overall pick in the 2024 draft. The rest of the NFC East should be worried because the Commanders will take the best player available (if the Bears trade the first pick or take Caleb Williams). That player is no other than stand out receiver and son of NFL Legend, Marvin Harrison, Marvin Harrison Jr.
He stands at 6’4 and runs at an explosive 4.39 time in the 40 yard dash. Harrison Jr. coupled with Terry McLaurin and also Jahan Dotson would be a scary trio. With this offense, Howell will air the ball out even more and have a young athletic superstar that can extend for high balls in one on one coverage which is really an aspect that this offense needed.
The other part of the team that needs help is defense, specifically the defensive line. Since the Commanders traded their two star defensive ends, the pass rush and run stopping has taken a hit. A great option in the early second would be Washington’s Bralen Trice. He has great size and good be an asset in both the pass rushing and run stopping game.
How Good Could the Commanders be in 2024?
A bold prediction would be that they will not finish last in the division for the first time in the past few years. Some analysts believe that the Commanders should draft a franchise QB. I am under the belief that Howell can be that guy for the team. This was his first year as a full-time starter and he showed promise.
Howell, with McLaurin, Robinson Jr., and Harrison Jr. will be able to lead this team to a winning record. When a team goes into full rebuild mode, they just need to fill holes in order to get back to a winning and possibly a buying status as opposed to a seller. Washington fan’s should expect to see a much better team than they had this past season.
