The views and opinions expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of the team.
In anticipation of the 2024 NFL Draft, which will be held April 23 - 25 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, here's a compilation of various league experts' predictions about what the Washington Commanders will do with the No. 7 overall pick. Check back weekly until the draft for more updates.
Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN
Selection: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (Feb. 2)
Analysis: There might be criticism of a team using a top-10 pick on a safety, but this draft class lacks a ton of elite top-end talent at the premium positions. And Commanders coach Dan Quinn needs to tighten up a defense that allowed a league-worst 384.0 yards per game. Downs is a difference-maker in the mold of Derwin James Jr. or Kyle Hamilton who can dictate what an offense is able to do but also be a matchup problem in multiple alignments.
Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Selection: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (Feb. 2)
Analysis: Faulk has impressive size, can play in odd or even fronts and is still filling out his frame. The upside trumps the unremarkable 2025 production.
Expert: Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus
Selection: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (Feb. 2)
Analysis: Reese doesn't have a ton of true coverage drops on his 2025 tape, but as a heat-seeking missile type of second-level defender, he can be a very impactful player. The Commanders need more off- and on-ball linebacker production, something with which Reese can help. He played 286 snaps in the box as an off-ball backer and 327 as an on-ball edge last season.
Expert: Jacob Camenker, USA Today
Selection: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (Feb. 2)
Analysis: Copilot is continuing the trend outlined by many of giving the Commanders a defensive player. However, it chose to give Styles to the team over a player like Rueben Bain Jr. or Caleb Downs. Why? The chatbot expressed confidence that Styles would be a three-down linebacker who could change the complexion of Washington's defense.
Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Selection: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (Feb. 1)
Analysis: Parker is an explosive, high-motor edge rusher with the juice to both collapse pockets with a bull rush and the bend to win around the corner. He's stout and disciplined against the run, from setting the edge, to blowing up plays in the backfield with his quickness. He shows surprising versatility, with the athleticism to drop into coverage from wide alignments and disrupt passing lanes.
Expert: Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report
Selection: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (Feb. 1)
Analysis: N/A
Expert: Steve Samra, On3.com
Selection: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (Feb. 3)
Analysis: N/A
Expert: Rob Rang, FOX Sports
Selection: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (Jan. 24)
Analysis: Bain might have the best film of any edge player in this draft, dominating teams like Notre Dame, Florida, Texas A&M, and Ohio State. In that first round CFP game, he had a whopping three sacks against an Aggies offensive line that had given up just 12 in 12 games.
