Commander Country

Commanders need another strong rookie class to keep pace in NFC title race

The Washington Commanders had a fantastic rookie class from the 2024 NFL Draft. Can they do the same for this year?
Jeremy Brener|
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels leaves the field after defeating the Cardinals during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 29, 2024.
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels leaves the field after defeating the Cardinals during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 29, 2024. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders nailed their first-round pick last year with quarterback Jayden Daniels, but he wasn't the only player to hit for the team.

CBS Sports writer Chris Trapasso ranked all 32 NFL Draft classes from 2024, and the Commanders ranked No. 1.

READ MORE: Washington Commanders face tough decision on Marshon Lattimore's future

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs with the ball
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Commanders rookies reign supreme

"Daniels concluding his rookie season as the runaway Offensive Rookie of the Year pushes the Commanders over two of their NFC East rivals here. [Mike] Sainristil was otherworldly at times -- particularly in the playoffs -- as a former slot cornerback playing on the perimeter, and [Brandon] Coleman held it down at left tackle as a rookie," Trapasso writes.

Daniels, Sainristil and Coleman all project to be long-term starters, but more could come after. Luke McCaffrey saw action throughout the season while defensive tackle Johnny Newton and tight end Ben Sinnott also showed some flashes.

If the Commanders can have another great rookie class in 2025, they could be contenders in the NFC for a long time.

READ MORE: Commanders could have interest in Eagles defender who is looking for a raise

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

More Washington Commanders News

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• Could the Commanders be in play to land massive help on the offensive line in free agency?

• Commanders linked to future Hall of Fame linebacker in free agency

• Did the Washington Commanders have the best 2024 rookie class?

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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