In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders—regardless of their current regime—will find themselves in a special circumstance. The Commanders, ranked 4–9, are getting more and more confident that they will be selected in the top 10, if not in the first five. However, if the team decides to proceed with Sam Howell, Washington might be available to a team aiming to advance and select a quarterback or another position.
Pro Football Network has published a 2024 NFL Mock Draft in order to achieve that. The Tennessee Titans, who choose left tackle Joe Alt from Notre Dame, receive the No. 4 overall pick from the Commanders in exchange. Instead of selecting Alt themselves, the Commanders obtain four picks in 2024: No. 8, No. 39, No. 148, and a third-round pick in 2025.
With the eighth pick, Washington goes on to choose Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Pro Football Network stated, “Bowers is incredibly versatile.” “In the run and screen games, place the ball in his hands. He is incredibly powerful, incredibly explosive, and surprisingly elusive when running. However, he is also a superb route runner who makes excellent use of his physique and athleticism.”
It should be mentioned that PFN states that they think offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will be elevated to the position of coach for the upcoming season and that, given his success with Travis Kelce in Kansas City, he will desire a star tight end of his own. Ron Rivera’s likely departure as coach for the upcoming season is certain, but it’s unclear if Josh Harris, the new owner who took over this entire coaching staff, including Bieniemy, will favor internal promotions.
Bowers, who turns 21 next week, is a very intriguing prospect that the Commanders should take into consideration, regardless of the coach. Despite playing in just 10 games during his junior year at Georgia, Bowers caught 56 passes for 714 yards and six touchdowns. The Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Ravens are Super Bowl contenders that mainly rely on star tight ends, despite the opinions of those who believe that a tight end is a luxury pick. Using a top-10 pick on Bowers hardly seems like a stretch if the Commanders think he could be a top-five tight end.
Once more, one could argue that the Commanders ought to select a player similar to Alt with the No. 4 overall pick. However, by going back four picks in this simulation, the Commanders were able to select a potential star tight end as well as extra picks in the 2024 second and fifth rounds and third round. That kind of return would make it difficult to be angry.
