Washington 2024 Draft: Possible Results of Top 100 Picks

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April 3, 2024

by David Earl

Heading Into 2024 Draft

This has been the most unpredictable draft for Washington in quite some time, as most “experts” can only give their best possible guess. Sure the term “sources” is thrown around a ton. In the past that a legitimate description, but, in my opinion, today it just equates to people grasping at straws. Look at the head coaching search – Ben Johnson was rumored to be the heavy favorite, which he could have very well been. No one ever took the idea of Dan Quinn being a truly viable option over Mike McDonald and Bobby Slowik. Looking at the interview timeline and how Adam Peters had a second interview already set up with Quinn before traveling out to Detroit, any idea that Dan Quinn was never a serious candidate was never true. With that said, what does that say about the upcoming draft? Let me take a stab at this using a mock draft database that has taken a consensus of where these “experts” attempt to predict where these young kids will land on draft day.

Second Overall Pick: Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye

Of the 268 times this pick has been mocked, 254 times they selected a quarterback, and Drake Maye was selected 135 times (50.75%). Many fans have decided upon either Maye or Jayden Daniels, but the overall consensus among this fan base is just to get this pick right. Of course, the painful reality still tortures the fans: a history of Washington quarterback development that has been one of the worst in the league for the better part of 20 years. While I understand that this regime is not responsible for the egregious actions of its predecessors, they will have to cast off a black cloud that shrouds this organization’s history and that starts at pick two. So who is the best choice? Let’s discuss a few of the pros and cons as I see today as a more thorough evaluation will come in the coming weeks of this quarterback class.

Jayden Daniels: 6’4″, 210lbs

  • Pros: The most pro-ready of the two and commands the offense very well. Processes pre-snap reads efficiently and footwork in the pocket is very sound. Consistent mechanics and operates outside the hash marks very well. His athletic profile is excellent and his game is suited for today’s NFL offenses.
  • Cons: His size is a major factor if he doesn’t learn how to avoid the big hits and slide. Velocity can be hampered at times when his throwing motion is out of sync with his leg positioning. Will struggle at times to get past his 3rd reads and occasionally drops his eyes looking for a running lane too soon.

Drake Maye: 6’4″, 223lbs

  • Pros: Works well within the structure of the offense and is very good on off-platform throws. Strong arm at all 3-levels of the field and navigates the pocket well. Can be a quick processor when under pressure and velocity allows for tight-window throws.
  • Cons: While he can quickly process well under pressure, will struggle against more complex looks from the defense. Consistency in his mechanics results in throws behind his receivers or too often at their feet. Can struggle when his initial reads are not open and can make too risky of decisions when under constant pressure.

Regardless of which direction Adam Peters goes, both quarterbacks present concerns that will need to be addressed. Daniels may be the most pro-ready, but protecting himself on the run will be the difference between a long career or Washington looking for another franchise quarterback in 3 years. Maye’s mechanical inconsistencies and at times risky decision-making may warrant him sitting for a full year under the strict guidance of the coaching staff to develop his game. If I am being honest, there seems to be less risk in Jayden Daniels going forward, especially as a potential day 1 starter if they choose to go that route. While the comparisons of Maye to Josh Allen of Buffalo are intriguing, Allen’s development has also been a one-off in terms of development. Granted, Maye was a much better passer than Allen in college, but it’s mechanical inconsistencies where these two are most aligned and that is just not always easily fixed.

Who is the pick here? The “experts” seem to think Drake Maye, but Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive philosophy best suits Jayden Daniels. My personal choice leans more towards Daniels but this race could be too close to call at this time. There is that possibility of trading back to maybe gain draft capital and position for JJ McCarthy out of Michigan but that is the most unlikely route if I had to guess. So if I was making this selection Jayden Daniels is the choice.

Offensive Tackle Priority: Trading Into First Round?

The offensive linemen projected to be available at 36 are certainly talented players who can anchor the line for years. Jordan Morgan from Arizona and Kingsley Suamataia from BYU are strong athletic tackles who are projected to be there for Washington at pick 36. Morgan is being projected as a better right tackle or a dominant guard. Kingsley is more of a raw player who probably needs a year or two of refinement at right tackle before becoming an anchor for the left side. Of course either one could very well step right in anchor the left side but Washington might want less of a project. So where would they need to move up to into the first round for one of the top tackles?

To get one of the top 3 tackles in this draft Washington would have to move into the top 13-15 picks of the draft. While they may have the assets to make this move, I believe that the holes on the roster prohibit such a move. So who does this leave to target?

JC Latham, Alabama, 6’6″ 360lbs

  • Strengths: Great size and has great quickness getting into pass protection sets. A combination of leverage and first contact against quicker edge rushers is ideal for a tackle.  Fluid and quick exchange with the guards allowing smooth transition in pass protection to easily redirect defenders. The ability to collapse the edge and drive defenders showcases his upper body torque that’s effective as a run blocker.
  • Weaknesses: Will struggle to sustain blocks after first contact at times as his weight distribution can be challenging. Doesn’t carry an ideal wide base which can give leverage to pass rushers thus compromising the pocket. There is a need for a more disciplined technique as he is prone to penalties.
  • Projected Draft Position: His average predicted draft position is pick 18.

Amarius Mims, Georgia, 6’6″ 360lbs

  • Strengths: Length and frame density contribute to his overall elite power capability. Effective in loading his base and generating torque through extensions, easily displacing defensive linemen off the snap. Very flexible in his movement allowing adjustments to quicker defenders.
  • Weaknesses: His impressive base can be negated by an occasional upright stance plus inconsistent footwork can displace his position at times. Will need to work on hand techniques, especially in initial engagement.
  • Projected Draft Position: His average predicted draft position is pick 22.

Notable Mentions: Troy Fautanu from Washington is predicted to be selected on average at pick 20 and Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma is predicted to be selected on average at pick 30. Depending on which evaluation you read these two are seen more as top right tackles but some believe they bring enough talent to anchor the left side. To see their scouting reports, and other offensive lineman in this draft, click here.

It’s about positioning for these players on draft day and what it would take to move up in the draft. Looking at the respective projected pick ranges above, Washington would probably need to move into the top 20. Utilizing the NFL draft pick calculator, which uses the draft pick valuation chart, Washington would need to move picks 36, 67, and 100 for picks 20 and 120. This gives a pick valuation difference of 1% and will position them to get a good young left tackle. Obviously, this trade could go many different ways but the point here is Washington has the assets to move up but are they willing to do so?

No Trade-Up Situation

Projecting the rest of their draft without a trade-up could potentially go as follows:

Pick 36: Prime spot for a couple of offensive linemen

  • Jordan Morgan (T) from Arizona: Average predicted selection of 37 with highest selected pick location of 23.
  • Kingsley Suamataia (T) from BYU: Average predicted selection of 40 with highest selected pick location of 22.

Pick 40 (from Chicago): Here they could address multiple positions of need with high-value immediate starters

  • Kamari Lassiter (CB) from Georgia: Average predicted selection of 41 with highest selected pick location of 22.
  • Tyler Nubin (S) from Minnesota: Average predicted selection of 43 with highest selected pick location of 26.
  • Edgerrin Cooper (LB) from Texas A&T: Average predicted selection of 44 with highest selected pick location of 29.
  • Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE) from Texas: Average predicted selection of 55 with highest selected pick location of 42.

Pick 67: This pick will certainly be driven by what happens with the previous 2 picks. If they don’t land the offensive line help they wanted there will be options at this selection. If not they will have options in areas of need with some impactful players left on the board.

  • Patrick Paul (T) from Houston: Average predicted selection of 68 with highest selected pick location of 35.
  • Cooper Beebe (IOL) from Kansas State: Average predicted selection of 71 with highest selected pick location of 46.
  • Bralen Trice (Edge) from Washington: Average predicted selection of 65 with highest selected pick location of 40.
  • Javon Bullard (S) from Georgia: Average predicted selection of 67 with highest selected pick location of 35.
  • Jaylen Wright (RB) from Tennessee: Average predicted selection of 76 with highest selected pick location of 76.
  • Jeremiah Trotter Jr (LB) from Clemson: Average predicted selection of 78 with highest selected pick location of 35.

Pick 78 (From Seattle): Here will be determined upon the flow of the draft and if a player falls they could make that selection over those listed here of course.

  • Jeremiah Trotter (LB) from Clemson: Average predicted selection of 78 with highest selected pick location of 35. (Another potential opportunity to select him depending on the flow of the draft)
  • Jermaine Burton (WR) from Alabama: Average predicted selection of 80 with highest selected pick location of 53.
  • Khyree Jackson (CB) from Oregon: Average predicted selection of 83 with highest selected pick location of 36.
  • Cade Stover (TE) from OSU: Average predicted selection of 84 with highest selected pick location of 48.

Pick 100 (From San Francisco): Again, this pick will follow the flow of Washington’s draft.

  • Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S) from Texas Tech: Average predicted selection of 99 with highest selected pick location of 99.
  • Jarvis Brownlee (CB) from Louisville: Average predicted selection of 101 with highest selected pick location of 101.
  • McKinnley Jackson (DL) from Texas A&M: Average predicted selection of 104 with highest selected pick location of 49.
  • Zak Zinter (IOL) from Michigan: Average predicted selection of 108 with highest selected pick location of 36.
  • Marshawn Lloyd (RB) from USC: Average predicted selection of 110 with highest selected pick location of 35.