The more Washington loses, the higher it rises in the 2024 NFL draft order. For those wanting the Commanders to select a new quarterback, that’s good news. Washington is up to No. 3 in the draft order after another loss, and a New England win.
The Sam Howell experiment has ended — for now. Howell has two years remaining on his contract and showed a lot of promise this season before his recent struggles. But he also proved that Washington can’t go into 2024, believing he can be the starting quarterback.
Could Howell compete for the job? Sure. But the Commanders can’t go into the offseason believing they can build around Howell and completely ignore the quarterback position.
The 2024 NFL draft has multiple intriguing quarterback prospects. Former Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams (USC) is at the top of the list. Then, there is North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye and LSU QB — and 2023 Heisman winner — Jayden Daniels.
If the Commanders finish at No. 3 or move up to No. 2, they can land one of the top passers. Also, picking this high makes it less cost-prohibitive to trade up to the No. 1 position.
In their weekly column at ESPN.com, Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler have heard rumblings that Washington already has a favorite — Washington, D.C. native Caleb Williams.
Here’s this from Graziano.
There’s some thought around the league that Washington is very interested in Caleb Williams, a Washington, D.C., native who’s the strong favorite to be picked first overall. The Commanders, with a break here or there over the next couple of weeks, could find themselves in position to either draft Williams or trade up a spot or two to get him. Watch what they do with Sam Howell over the final two weeks. After he got pulled and replaced by Jacoby Brissett in the past two outings, there’s a chance Howell sits the rest of the way.
Williams has long been considered the favorite to go No. 1 overall as soon as he was eligible. Whether the Bears stay put, use the No. 1 pick, or trade it, Williams remains the best bet — for now.
There are many reasons why the Commanders could and should swing the fences for Williams. First of all, he is an elite talent. Sure, nothing is guaranteed with any college player, as Washington knows all too well, but Williams can be an instant star in the NFL with the right coach.
The Commanders will have a new coaching staff in 2024.
Finally, there is the marketing aspect of Williams. A star at USC in Los Angeles, Williams was in commercials as a college player. He’s also from Washington, D.C. The Commanders are trying to build a new stadium. There would be no player in the 2024 NFL draft more marketable than Williams.
After all, new ownership is in the business of making money, and they just paid over $6 billion for this franchise. So, Williams would obviously appeal to them.
Buckle up, it’s going to be a busy offseason in Washington.