The Washington Commanders are prioritizing offensive talent in the upcoming NFL Draft, holding the seventh overall pick. Analyst Adam Rank predicts they will select USC's Makai Lemon to support quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Analyst reveals top draft priority for Commanders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Washington Commanders made a concerted effort in free agency to bolster Dan Quinn's defense, and now, with the NFL Draft approaching, the franchise can focus on offense.
Holding the seventh overall pick, Washington can have its pick of offensive talent (maybe not Jeremiyah Love) to give Jayden Daniels some much-needed help.
With only Terry McLaurin as the weapon, defenses will be worried about, getting Daniels another option to spread the field feels like the right move.
And for NFL.com's Adam Rank, in his latest mock draft, where he makes selections based on what teams should do, he has Washington taking USC's Makai Lemon.
“Look, Commanders: I’ve seen a lot of mock drafts where you don't take a receiver in Round 1, and that’s just wrong,” Rank wrote. “The TOP priority should be making sure Jayden Daniels has as much offensive firepower around him as possible. In my mind, Lemon is going to be an NFL stud.”
More:Latest mock draft sees Chiefs take ideal Travis Kelce replacement
He could be, and as we know, high draft picks are never a slam dunk, so there is an element of risk, but Lemon ticks a lot of boxes.
A smooth route runner, Lemon has been called quarterback-friendly, but perhaps his best attribute is his ability to make big gains after the catch. Oh, and he's also a speed merchant as well.
So, having Lemon to work alongside McLaurin and Washington's other weapons would give the offense a nice little boost for Daniels, and getting the ball to Lemon out in space could create serious problems for a defense.
There are a lot of ways that the Commanders could go in the first-round, but getting Daniels another weapon feels like a smart move.
The Washington Commanders are focusing on acquiring offensive talent in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Adam Rank predicts the Commanders will select USC's Makai Lemon with the seventh overall pick.
The Commanders need to enhance their offense to provide more support for quarterback Jayden Daniels, as they currently rely heavily on Terry McLaurin.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Wings shut down questions about Fudd and Bueckers' relationship
Damon Jones, former NBA player, to change plea to guilty in conspiracy case involving Terry Rozier.
Indiana Fever bolster roster by signing veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
Joe Cole advises Arsenal to adjust their attack for the Man City match.
Former Indiana basketball players appeal dismissal of their lawsuit against the school.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.