NFL Draft Order: Commanders Rise After Loss to 49ers
The Washington Commanders suffered their seventh consecutive loss Sunday, falling 27-10 to the San Francisco 49ers inside FedEx Field.
Washington has just one game left before reaching a critical offseason, during which changes at coach, quarterback and everywhere in between appear to be in store.
But the Commanders' rebuild efforts took a considerable win Sunday, as the Arizona Cardinals took a surprising road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, vaulting the visitors to a 4-12 record.
Arizona entered the day as owners of the No. 2 overall pick, but with its victory, falls to No. 4 in the order, thus helping Washington, which was previously slated to pick No. 3 overall.
Following the early afternoon slate of games, the Commanders now hold the No. 2 pick, but are in neck-and-neck with the New England Patriots in terms of strength of schedule, which is the initial tiebreaker.
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
As such, the order between Washington and New England could change regardless of either team's on-field results.
Should it come down to head-to-head, the Patriots would receive the higher pick, as the Commanders took a 20-17 victory in Foxboro on Nov. 5, their most recent win.
Both squads wrap up the season next Sunday, when Washington hosts the Dallas Cowboys and New England hosting the New York Jets.
The race to finish in the No. 2 spot is particularly critical for the Patriots and Commanders, as each team is expected to pursue a quarterback this offseason.
There are believed to be two particularly strong options at the top of the draft class, with USC's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye having earned the highest marks since the summer.
LSU's Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner, has played his way into the mix and could serve as quite the consolation prize for whoever misses on Williams and Maye.
The Chicago Bears clinched the No. 1 overall pick Sunday by way of the Carolina Panthers (2-14), who traded their pick to the Bears last offseason.
It's possible the Bears select a quarterback or trade the pick at No. 1, creating uncertainty - but signal callers are expected to go off the board with the first two picks, meaning the Commanders would do well to secure No. 2 overall next week.
