Will Brinson breaks down the second day of the 2024 NFL Draft
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Winners
Washington Commanders
Obviously the highlight of this draft class will be Jayden Daniels, but if the Commanders return to prominence earlier than expected under Dan Quinn, we can probably point to the second day of the draft. Defensive tackle Johnny Newton from Illinois was a steal at No. 36 and only fortifies a strength for this team. Michigan DB Mike Sainristil gives them much needed help at nickleback. Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott might unseat Zach Ertz and TCU offensive lineman Brandon Coleman gives them a quality pick at a position of need. Quinn's drafts were underrated when he was in Atlanta and he's off to a great start with Washington as well. A lot to like for the Commanders so far in 2024.
Which NFL teams fared well in the second and third rounds of the draft, and which reached for picks? Mel Kiper Jr. makes sense of Day 2.
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The picks: DT
Jer'Zhan Newton (No. 36), CB
Mike Sainristil (No. 50), TE
Ben Sinnott (No. 53)
I mentioned the Commanders' trade with the Eagles above, and Washington ended up with three second-round picks.
New GM Adam Peters landed a game-wrecker for the middle of his defense. He got the best slot corner in this class. And he got my second-ranked tight end, a player who could make plays in the pass game and block his butt off in the run game. This is a home run Round 2 class for the Commanders, who entered this draft with a lot of holes.
To finish out Round 3, Washington took wideout
Luke McCaffrey, which was a reach based on my rankings. Still,
Christian's brother has the physical traits to be an intriguing flier.
From The Athletic:
Washington Commanders — The day after
selecting their franchise quarterback in
Jayden Daniels, the Commanders had an active day making another five selections, including Michigan nickelback
Mike Sainristil (18th pick of the second round/50th overall), a player many scouts view as a future star. Nick Saban described him as “pound for pound the best football player in this draft.” Another highlight acquisition: Kansas State tight end
Ben Sinnott(21st pick of the second round/53rd overall), who draws comparisons to
Baltimore’s
Mark Andrews. This is the earliest Washington has taken a tight end since 2008 when they drafted Fred Davis 48th. Both positions fill real needs for Washington, and Sainristil and Sinnott have a chance to become real franchise cornerstones. Washington’s night concluded with the selection of a promising slot receiver in
Luke McCaffrey, the brother of
Christian McCaffrey.