Just a couple of months ago, Commanders fans never dreamed the 2024 NFL draft could be so hopeful.
On Sept. 17, the Commanders had started the season 2-0, defeating the Cardinals and then the Broncos on the road. Sam Howell against the Broncos had enjoyed much success throwing deep, and it looked like the Commanders were on their way to seeing Ron Rivera’s first winning season in Washington. Howell had recorded a passer rating of 108.8 in only his second game under Eric Bieniemy, the new Washington offensive coordinator.
Had Washington found their quarterback for the future?
On Oct. 17, the Commanders had lost three consecutive games, falling to the Bills, Eagles and Bears. But then, on the road in Atlanta, it was again Howell who led the team to a 24-16 solid win. Howell had, this time, accomplished a career-best passer rating of 119.7.
The former UNC quarterback was turning the corner, and at 3-3, Washington was sitting in the 15th draft position. More importantly, Commanders fans were talking about the playoffs and not draft position.
On Nov. 23, the Commanders had just been embarrassed on Thanksgiving Day with a 45-10 drubbing by the Cowboys. In the preceding five-week period, there had been two frustrating losses to the N.Y. Giants, a close loss to the Eagles, a close road win at New England and a walk-off field goal loss to the Seahawks in Seattle.
The Commanders, in the last month have moved up the draft order to now a hard-to-believe 7th place position.
Howell has struggled in the recent losses, with passer ratings of 60.5 and 62.8 in the games against the Giants. Yes, he recorded a 109.3 at Seattle but then turned around with a disappointing 74.1 in the loss at Dallas.
Currently sitting at 7th in the draft order, one has to wonder, has the free fall of the Commanders meant Washington would draft a quarterback at 7?
As it stands today, the consensus is Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Marvin Harrison are the top three picks in no certain order.
With the remaining schedule including Miami, San Francisco and Dallas again, there is no easy game on the schedule. Will the Commanders continue to lose? How much will they continue to climb the draft order?
If Howell plays well during the final five games, but the Commanders lose, it may ensure they can get a top offensive tackle to begin their 2024 draft.
Trent Williams was drafted fourth in 2010 and Brandon Scherff fifth in 2015.
Just sayin’.