The Washington Commanders personal the No. 2 decide within the 2024 NFL Draft and have a couple of completely different paths in entrance of them. The one most pundits anticipate Washington to take is easy — choosing one of many high quarterback prospects after the Chicago Bears take Caleb Williams first total.
It is a easy equation for the Commanders. They want a long-term reply at quarterback after buying and selling away Sam Howell, who began all 17 video games final season. This draft is extensively believed to include no less than three prospects with star potential in Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels — doubtlessly a fourth, should you purchase into the J.J. McCarthy hype. The Commanders are in an incredible spot to discover a true franchise sign caller, one thing they have been missing for many years. That will begin their first season below new possession with a contemporary face of the group to construct round.
However nothing is about in stone relating to the NFL Draft till Roger Goodell is on the podium. The Commanders have to be diligent and think about all their choices. In accordance with ESPN, they’re doing simply that. On Saturday, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler stated on SportsCenter Washington is fielding calls a few potential commerce involving the second total choice:
“They’ve been unpredictable, and I’ve talked to a group supply who stated they’re nonetheless open with a radical course of. They haven’t made a agency willpower on which route they are going. Everyone across the league expects Chicago at 1 to take Caleb Williams after all. So, Washington’s going to enter subsequent week with a contingent going to the Professional Days of each Jayden Daniels at LSU, Drake Maye at UNC. They will shake that out, see what they like. Kliff Kingsbury the OC might be there with head coach Dan Quinn, they usually’ll have the cavalry. So, they’ll after that kind by means of your complete course of. I do know they’re getting calls, inquiries concerning the No. 2 decide from groups doubtlessly shifting up however largely regardless of all of these theatrics the sensation across the league is that they’ll take a kind of two guys that you simply hardly ever get an opportunity to take at No. 2 a quarterback like they’ve now.”
As identified by Fowler, it’s a uncommon factor to have a shot at drafting a possible franchise quarterback. But even acknowledging that, the Commanders have to contemplate buying and selling again as a result of their roster is weak throughout the board. They want contemporary blood at quarterback greater than something, however additionally they must rebuild their secondary and offensive line as shortly as potential. Buying and selling the second total decide would convey again a haul of different draft picks to restock the expertise on the roster.
Then again, Washington has been adrift for a lot of seasons and not using a route. Deciding on a quarterback would give the fan base a much-needed injection of optimism and enthusiasm. The franchise could by no means get one other shot at elite skills like Daniels or Maye. Buying and selling the decide is a huge threat and will hang-out the franchise for years to return. It could not convey the massive return they need, both, contemplating the New England Patriots (No. 3 total) and Arizona Cardinals (No. 4 total) have each been concerned in trade-down rumors.
A lot to contemplate for the Commanders and the brand new faces in cost. It does sound like they’re contemplating each choice obtainable to them, and followers cannot ask for rather more than that at this stage.
Liam McKeone is workers author at The Huge Lead.