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Commanders Won't Draft QB in Round 1 Unless ...

The Washington Commanders quarterback situation isn't fully settled right now, but ESPN insider John Keim suggests that the franchise will not take a quarterback in the first round.

The Washington Commanders have a veteran and a soon-to-be second-year quarterback on their books and are seemingly content with the situation.

So much so that ESPN states that unless a quarterback "drops into their lap," the Commanders are fine with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett going forward.

"They believe in quarterback Sam Howell enough that it's unlikely they will trade up for a quarterback, especially not into the top 10," Keim writes. "It's also unlikely they'll draft a quarterback in the first round, unless a top guy unexpectedly falls into their lap. The Commanders like Hendon Hooker (Tennessee), though, and if he's sitting there in the second or third round, I could see them drafting him. They are reluctant to relinquish a lot of draft capital and would rather use that to build out the roster around Howell. If he fails, the organization can try again next year with a stronger squad around a new quarterback."

Drafting Hooker is something that many have suggested, and should that happen, Howell and Hooker going forward, could excite Commanders fans.

Howell showed his talent in the Week 18 win over the Dallas Cowboys, and all indicators point to him getting the keys to the offense to start with, as Brissett serves as his backup.

With Washington in a unique position entering the draft, the ability to give Howell another weapon with pick No. 16 is an exciting thought. While most mock drafts have cornerback Joey Porter Jr. coming to the nation's capital, an offensive weapon shouldn't be wholly shunned.

But as far as the quarterback situation, it will be Howell and Brissett for next season unless something unforeseen happens ... like a star quarterback dropping to No. 16.


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