NFL Power Rankings: Washington Commanders Angling For 'Generational Talent' At QB?

Will the Washington Commanders turn their struggles into a franchise quarterback?

Could the Washington Commanders' struggles solve a long-ailing problem for the franchise? 

The Commanders have climbed up to the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft thanks to a four-game losing streak and teams that were previously ahead of them winning. Washington fell three spots in Sports Illustrated's power rankings to No. 29, and with a top-five pick, SI wondered how things would shake out if a quarterback fell to the Commanders in the draft. 

"The Commanders end the season with games against the hot Rams and somewhat-hot Jets, then the 49ers and Cowboys," SI writes. "How possible is it, especially if Bailey Zappe continues playing well in New England and Kyler Murray continues to fend off the No. 1 pick in Arizona, that the Commanders wind up with a generational talent at quarterback?"

Whether the Commanders stick with Sam Howell beyond this season is a question that'll come down to who is making those decisions after this year. Head coach Ron Rivera has touted Howell as a franchise quarterback, and if he remains the head coach, getting him a weapon or an offensive lineman would seem like the best bet. 

Howell has had his ups and downs, which is to be expected of a quarterback in his first year starting. The second-year quarterback has thrown for 3,466 yards, 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, though he's struggled of late, throwing one touchdown and five interceptions, with three of them getting ran back for touchdowns in his last three games. 

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If Washington hires a new coach and general manager, it'd be tough to envision them passing up on a quarterback class that includes Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. The more the Commanders lose, the more likely it seems that could be the route they take with a new coach and GM if Howell's struggles continue. 

Washington will look to get back on track after its bye week when it heads to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET.