Washington Commanders NFL Draft Potential Following Week 12

A look at where the Washington Commanders could be projected to pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft after Week 12's NFL action.

The Washington Commanders were projected to be a top-four team in the NFC as recently as last preseason, but those expectations have not been realized.

While many continued to put stock in thought the Commanders had one of the better defenses in the NFL that unit has failed to live up to its own expectations even before the trades of defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young.

Since the trades were made Washington hasn't seen any kind of defensive improvement leading to the firing of coordinator Jack Del Rio and a sharp turn of everyone's eyes toward the future.

With the Commanders off this weekend after losing 45-10 to the Dallas Cowboys (8-3) there is a possibility the team will be in line to pick in the top five of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Here's what has to happen for Washington to get its hands on a top-five pick after Week 12.

NFC vs. NFC

There are three remaining intraconference contests in the NFC this weekend and two hold immediate value to the Commanders.

For starters, a New Orleans Saints (5-5) win over the Atlanta Falcons (4-6) helps bump Washington up the draft board this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears (3-8) vs. Minnesota Vikings (6-5) contest could improve the Commanders' draft position because a win for the Bears gives them matching 4-8 records and due to tie-breakers they slip one spot down the board.

Washington Commanders head coach walks with Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris following the Commanders victory over the Arizona Cardinals at FedExField / Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

AFC vs. NFC

There are two interconference matchups to keep an eye on this weekend and the first features the New England Patriots (2-8) visiting the New York Giants (3-8) where a home win creates a tie at the bottom of the NFC East Division and puts Washington on the bottom thanks to two losses against their in-group rival.

On Sunday the Carolina Panthers (1-9) visit the Tennessee Titans (3-7) and a home victory there as well improves this team's draft spot.

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AFC vs. AFC

Due to NFL math and tie-breaker scenarios, a loss by the Kansas City Chiefs (7-3) on the road to the Las Vegas Raiders (5-6) is unlikely, but if it happened it would help draw Washington up the board as well.

If everything goes 'well' for draft enthusiasts looking for the best opportunity to add young talent in next year's selection meeting then the Commanders could be in control of the No. 4 overall pick by the conclusion of Week 12.

Of course, for those looking to see Washington claw back into the playoff picture - which it has not been eliminated from yet - you want opposite endings to each of these games.

For what its worth, the No. 4 player currently on Pro Football Focus' 2024 NFL Draft board is Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu.