NFL Mock Draft: Commanders Take QB to Sit Behind Sam Howell?
Much of the offseason will be dominated by just who the Washington Commanders take in the upcoming draft. Thanks to a 4-13 record with Sam Howell under center, the Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick.
With an offseason of change in the nation's capital, much is centered around the quarterback position.
Howell, in his first season as the starter, did little to instill confidence that he is "the guy" moving forward. With quarterback talent everywhere in the upcoming draft, Washington is in a position to change the direction of the franchise for the next decade.
In NFL.com's latest mock draft, the Commanders do take a quarterback, but in an odd twist, Howell remains the starter.
"The Commanders could take Maye and sit him behind his former North Carolina teammate, Sam Howell, until he is ready to assume control as the franchise quarterback," NFL.com writes. "Maye offers immense talent and potential, but with only two years of starting experience at UNC, he would benefit from an apprenticeship before taking over as QB1 down the road."
So the Commanders draft Drake Maye, but don't start him from Day 1?
ClutchPoints
Granted, there are some benefits from allowing a young quarterback to sit their rookie season to learn the ropes. Additionally, there is a great benefit in letting the quarterback get NFL experience with real bullets flying.
Taking a quarterback with the second overall pick seems logical, but does letting that player sit for a year negate the hype and excitement from the fan base, while also not allowing him to learn on the job?
Could Washington's supporters get more out of seeing Maye go through his trials and tribulations next season rather than seeing the ups and downs of Howell? Possibly.
With so many moves that need to be made both on and off the field, the Commanders are facing a defining offseason.
The franchise has been in the NFL doldrums for so long, and with a chance to claw its way back out with a new owner, general manager, head coach, and young quarterback, things could be changing for the Commanders.
But we aren't sure letting Maye sit for a year if he is chosen by Washington is the way to go. Fans will want to see him play, and frankly, so will we.
