2024 NFL Mock Draft: Commanders Trade Up for QB?
Sam Howell will get his chance to cement himself as the long-term answer at quarterback for the Washington Commanders in 2023. But given that he only played in one game in his rookie season after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, there's skepticism as to whether he will do that.
And so, in ESPN's first 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the Commanders will trade up to No. 3 overall and select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye:
"Maye is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and has a massive arm," ESPN writes. "Not only did he throw 38 touchdown passes last season, but he also ran for seven scores and almost 700 yards. Washington might be comfortable with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett at the moment, but the former is a fifth-round pick with one career start, and the latter is a 30-year-old veteran backup on a one-year deal. I understand the Commanders passing on quarterback down the board at No. 16 in 2023, but if they have a chance to get someone like Maye next April, it could change things for the franchise."
As we wrote earlier this week, it's not a bad place to be in as an organization to have a quarterback that you believe might be your long-term starter (Howell, in this case), but know that if he doesn't pan out, you might be in position to select or trade up for another enticing prospect. In many senses, the Philadelphia Eagles were in that position over the last two years with Jalen Hurts.
However, from the perspective of head coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Howell panning out is their best path forward. If Washington struggles enough to have a high draft pick in 2024, Josh Harris' ownership group may decide to clean house in the organization and install their own front office and coaching staff.
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