Draft Target: Could Commanders Pick OT Kingsley Suamataia in Round 2?

The Washington Commanders are bound to draft a quarterback with the second-overall pick, but what about their first selection in the second round?

The Washington Commanders, in all likelihood, will select a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in April’s 2024 NFL Draft. Virtually anything else would be a poor-process decision, regardless of which quarterback this administration pins its hopes on.

Of course, that leaves Washington flexible with the rest of their picks, which includes four other top-100 selections and two of the first eight picks of the second round. The Commanders have the ammo to acquire high-level talents and foundational pieces to complement their aggressive free agency.

Thus, it makes sense for Washington to target valuable positions like receiver and offensive tackle as it attempts to fortify the surrounding cast for its prospective quarterback.

Oct 21, 2023; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (78) prepares to block against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders may choose an upgrade on the offensive line with its first second-round pick (No. 36). BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia has gotten some hype as a candidate to go late on Day 1, but should he fall to Friday, Washington makes a lot of sense.

Bleacher Report’s scouting department dove into the fit, which checks boxes both for positional need and talent.

“While Washington addressed its offensive interior, it still needs help at tackle,” they wrote. “Neither side of the line was truly reliable in 2023, which is part of the reason why the Commanders surrendered a whopping 65 sacks.

“BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia is an unpolished prospect, but his mammoth 6’4”, 329-pound frame oozes physical upside. The Commanders might prefer a tackle who can contribute one right away, but landing one outside of Round 1 will be difficult.”

Truly elite tackle prospects are always going to go early, but offensive tackle can be a “get what you pay for” position. Prospects like Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton and Suamataia are likely targets for teams chasing upside but forced to take on the risk of high-variance play and a longer runway to success.

Commanders Still Have Major Needs After Free Agency Week 1

Suamataia isn’t as fundamentally sound as many of his early-round counterparts but possesses the ability to play either tackle spot and can get away with some technical woes because of his mass and athleticism.

Whether he’d be starting at left tackle from the jump or marinating behind a veteran is a road to cross this summer, but Suamataia could be the risky investment Washington earned itself after low-variance free agents and the safe (right) pick of a quarterback at No. 2.