The Washington Commanders have the talent and structure to be a consistent NFC playoff contender. But they lack the most important piece of the puzzle: a franchise quarterback. To get one, Washington must draft one.
Benching Taylor Heinicke and returning to Carson Wentz as the starter, as the team announced Wednesday, is not a long-term answer at QB. Rookie fifth-rounder Sam Howell hasn’t taken a snap this season and doesn’t appear to have franchise QB qualities.
For the past two years, the Commanders tried to solve their QB situation with a veteran, but neither Wentz this season nor Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2021 paid dividends. Washington is unlikely to find an experienced QB who can move the needle.
Washington currently is projected to have the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, per Tankathon. It could gamble on Florida’s Anthony Richardson dropping to them or the Commanders could trade up to grab one of the draft’s consensus big three of Bryce Young (Alabama), C.J. Stroud (Ohio State), or Will Levis (Kentucky).
Or, if Washington is content with its current QB situation for one more year, the team could take a flyer on Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, a top-10 talent who will likely slip down the board due to a torn ACL. He probably won’t play during his rookie season.
Washington has the pieces to maximize its potential with a young QB on an inexpensive rookie contract.
The Commanders had their long-term answer in Kirk Cousins, but they unwisely let him walk in free agency.
Washington must find its long-term answer again — and soon. The best way to do it is through the draft.
