It seems that no one is high on the Washington Commanders in 2023. Despite a roster that is strong in multiple areas, some feel one position will hold the Commanders back in 2023: quarterback.
Washington is all-in on second-year passer Sam Howell for next season. And if Howell struggles, the Commanders signed veteran Jacoby Brissett — a reliable starter — as a fallback option/mentor for Howell.
The Commanders are also hoping new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can get the most out of Howell and all of Washington’s talented skill players, which include Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, Antonio Gibson, Brian Robinson Jr. and others.
While there is optimism inside the walls of Commanders Park in Ashburn and amongst Washington fans — Dan Snyder is selling the team, after all — that optimism isn’t shared on a national level.
Oddsmakers have Washington picking anywhere in the top six in the 2024 NFL draft. In a new mock draft by Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, he has the Commanders picking at No. 4, using SportsLine’s Super Bowl odds.
His pick for Washington?
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. In most years, Maye would never make it to No. 4. However, USC quarterback Caleb Williams — a Washington, D.C. native — is already viewed as the overwhelming favorite to go No. 1 overall in 2024.
Interestingly, Maye was a freshman backup during Howell’s final season at North Carolina in 2021.
The Commanders go with Maye to lead the club into a new chapter with a new owner. He has all the tools to be very good, very quickly in the NFL.
Maye has everything you want in a modern NFL quarterback. He’s big, accurate, durable, athletic and also has a big arm. But, regardless of what many believe, it’s difficult to believe the Commanders will be bad enough to land either Williams or Maye.
Howell has a prime opportunity to prove everyone wrong in 2023.
