In many ways, the Washington Commanders hold the keys to the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
While the Chicago Bears are expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams first overall, the Commanders will have their choice of a number of high-profile quarterbacks as they look to solidify their situation at the position.
But without a clear cut No. 2 quarterback prospect standing out, many other QB-needy teams have unsurprisingly gauged Washington’s willingness to trade down. Thus far, however, such offers have been rebuffed, with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini noting that the Commanders intend to stay put.
“Teams trying to move up for QB and calling Washington are being told they are not moving,” Russini reported on Tuesday. “Washington’s GM Adam Peters has publicly stated the Commanders feel great about staying at No. 2 and picking their QB.”
Teams trying to move up for QB and calling Washington are being told they are not moving.
Washington’s GM Adam Peters has publicly stated the Commanders feel great about staying at No. 2 and picking their QB.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 23, 2024
Despite the apparent interest in their pick, it’s not a surprise that the Commanders wouldn’t be willing to move down. After trading Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks and not re-signing Jacoby Brissett this past offseason, Washington’s current quarterback depth chart consists of Marcus Mariotta, Jeff Driskel and Jake Fromm.
Why would the Commanders be OK with such an uninspiring quarterback room entering the start of the Dan Quinn era? Because it’s long been assumed that they will select either LSU’s Jayden Daniels, North Carolina’s Drake Maye or even Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy with the No. 2 overall pick.
At this point, it’s unclear which direction Washington is leaning. But what does seem certain is that it will be the Commanders making the pick.
