The Washington Commanders, who finished 4-13 in 2023, have the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Commanders’ top draft pick provides them with a lot of freedom, especially when it comes to solving their most pressing need: quarterback.
Despite being drafted in the fifth round in 2022, Sam Howell appeared to have a good career with the squad for a while. However, in 2023, he led the NFL in interceptions with 21, despite throwing only 21 touchdown passes. He also received more sacks than any other quarterback in the NFL (65).
Some of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft are Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, and JJ McCarthy. With Williams anticipated to go first overall to the Chicago Bears, the Commanders could take Maye or Daniels, or trade down and select any of the other players in the middle of the first round.
However, a new Bleacher Report story claims that Washington is the greatest fit for Williams.
The Washington Commanders Are the Best Fit for USC Quarterback Caleb Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft
According to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report, Williams would be an ideal fit for the Commanders and vice versa, for a variety of reasons:
“While the connection will continue to stem from newly minted Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and Williams’ time together at USC last year, bringing the Bowie, Maryland, native home could be priority No. 1 for a revamped Washington organization.
“A highly recruited prospect out of Gonzaga College High School located just a few short miles away from the White House, Williams has childhood ties and football ties to the area that make this such a popular talking point.
“On the football side of things, he could be everything Washington has desired under center since it took another Heisman Trophy winner in Robert Griffin III in 2012.
“On offense, a trio of weapons remain that would present both Kingsbury and Williams a variety of ways to attack defenses in wideouts Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and running back Brian Robinson Jr.”
Williams’ local links make him an intriguing choice for the Commanders. However, with the second overall pick and the Heisman Trophy winner expected to go first, they would have to make a significant sacrifice in order to move up one position to grab him.
As Fowler points out, if it means acquiring their next franchise quarterback (eventually) and a generational talent in Williams, there may not be such a thing as a too-high price.
How Can the Washington Commanders Move Up to the Number One Overall Pick?
In addition to the second overall pick, the Commanders have five other picks in the top 105. One would have to believe that the Bears, who are also interested in Williams, will demand at least the second overall pick, two additional picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, and a future first-round pick in exchange for giving up their top pick.
Even that could be too low for them. All rumors suggest that Chicago’s asking price is exceedingly high. The question is whether the Commanders, or any quarterback-needy team, are willing to meet it.
