Washington Commanders Focus on Athleticism in NFL Draft, Roster Still Ranks 20th

The Washington Commanders made a bold statement in this year’s NFL Draft by targeting athleticism above all else. With a relative athletic score (RAS) of 9.427, the Commanders had the highest average score of any team in the draft. This focus on athleticism was evident in their draft picks, with offensive tackle Brandon Coleman leading the way with a score of 9.97.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels and defensive tackle Johnny Newton did not test, but it is believed that their athleticism would have been equally impressive. Despite their athletic draft class, the Commanders’ overall roster still ranks 20th in the NFL.

General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have been clear about their intention to build an aggressive, explosive, and athletic team that will challenge opponents. This renewed focus on athleticism is a departure from previous drafts, where athleticism may not have been fully emphasized.

The Commanders’ new staff is determined to maximize the athletic potential of their players, including their latest batch of rookies. While cornerback Mike Sainristil had the lowest RAS among the draft picks, the team is committed to developing their players’ athleticism to its full potential.

Stay tuned to CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.