To QB or Not to QB? What Should Commanders Do With No. 2 Pick?
The Washington Commanders face a defining offseason that begins with the NFL Draft. Currently holding the No. 2 overall pick, the consensus is that the franchise will select a new quarterback to usher in the new era in the nation's capital.
But is that their only move?
There have been some who have suggested that the Commanders could trade back out of the No. 2 spot in an attempt to get a bigger draft haul.
So, what should Washington do? Let's go through those two avenues.
Option 1: Draft their franchise quarterback.
Given the talent that is available with the No. 2 pick, the chance to draft Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, or even Caleb Williams depending on what the Chicago Bears do seems like a logical choice.
Sam Howell didn't set the world on fire in his first season as the starter as the 4-13 record shows. Howell threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions as his rawness was evident at times last season and if the team is going forward with an inexperienced quarterback, why not do with a top pick?
Is Howell the quarterback the Commanders want to begin this new and exciting era with? Especially considering what kind of talent is available in the draft?
The plaudits for Daniels, Maye, and Williams are long and each brings their own unique skill set to an NFL offense.
Kliff Kingsbury takes over from Eric Bieniemy as the offensive coordinator and one could easily envision him taking the Commanders offense to new heights with a new, talented quarterback.
Taking a new quarterback to lead this new Washington regime feels like a move that most would be content with.
Dan Quinn and Adam Peters
USA Today Sports
Option 2: Trade back for bigger draft haul.
The second option is interesting as general manager Adam Peters has already detailed how highly he thinks of Howell, so in this option, the Commanders trade back in the draft with a team that needs a quarterback. The New York Giants (No. 6) and the Atlanta Falcons (No. 8) loom as teams who could offer up some decent compensation to Washington given how close they are to the Commanders' No. 2 pick and their need for a quarterback.
In trading back, the Commanders go with Howell as their starter next season and surround him with enough talent that see him thrive.
With offensive weapons in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Brian Robinson Jr., the Commanders do have some nice pieces, and with the extra draft haul, Washington could give Howell more ammunition to play with.
Both options are rather interesting and exactly what Washington does or doesn't do with the No. 2 could have long-lasting ramifications down the road.
Take a franchise quarterback with the second pick and ride the wave of excitement as a new face leads the team, or let Howell cook thanks to a decent draft haul in a bid to make the most of what the Commanders already have?
Hmm, decisions decisions.
