3 teams preparing to leapfrog Rams to steal Day 1 targets in 2024 NFL Draft

I: Washington Commanders

The Commanders hold two early picks in Round 2, which is plenty of firepower to trade back into Round 1, particularly at the Seattle Seahawks current spot at 16. But as we so often discuss, trades take two teams to agree.

The Commanders current list of draft needs includes: QB, Edge, WR, IOL, LB. They will address their quarterback needs with the second overall pick in Round 1. But they would like target a wide receiver or edge rusher with the 16th overall pick.

WR Brian Thomas Jr. out of LSU could entice the Washington Commanders to trade back into the heart of Round 1 to add a vital rookie offensive weapon as the welcoming committee to whomever is selected to be the team's quarterback with the second overall pick. If the Commanders hold to several projections by draft LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, then reuniting him with his college receiver Brian Thomas Jr. instantly is an shrewd and savvy maneuver to ensure the offense is clicking right out of the gates to open the 2024 NFL season.

Edge rusher Laiatu Latu out of UCLA could be another target at 16 for the Commanders. If the team wants to make life easy for a rookie quarterback, bolstering the defense is a solid strategy to take the pressure off. Latu has some medical concerns, but nobody questions the fact that he will become an immediate contributor to his NFL defense. With Laiatu Latu hunting down opposing quarterbacks, the Commanders will have a fighting chance in every game in 2024.

Offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga out of Oregon State is an ideal option for the Washington Commanders as a second Round 1 selection. He is a 6-foot-6 324-pound offensive tackle who is an ideal solution for a franchise left tackle to protect the blind side of a rookie quarterback. And it makes complete sense to pair up a new quarterback with his left tackle to ensure that they align their proficiency throughout their NFL careers.

Three teams are rumored to be exploring ways to jump ahead of the Rams in the 2024 NFL Draft. Many of their potential targets are also likely prospects that GM Les Snead and HC Sean McVay would want to add to the team as well. But that is the inherent risk of standing pat. Should the Rams also try to trade up? Should the Rams follow the Seahawks example and pursue trade back options? Or should the team stand pat at 19? Let us know in the comments section of our Facebook page.

And as always, thank you for reading.