From all indications, the Washington Commanders are set to roll with second-year quarterback Sam Howell under center in 2023. That’s what head coach Ron Rivera told prospective offensive coordinator candidates when he interviewed them.
Rivera eventually hired his top choice in Eric Bieniemy. At his introductory press conference last week, Bieniemy praised Howell, saying he has “some stuff to him.”
You knew Bieniemy would praise Howell. There was no way he would say he didn’t think Howell was ready to be an NFL starting quarterback. But the truth is, no one knows Rivera’s or Bieniemy’s school of thinking regarding Washington’s quarterback position.
Rivera has all but ruled out a big veteran acquisition, which makes sense. That would take Washington out of the running for Aaron Rodgers [if available] and, to a lesser degree, Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo and Carr, especially, will still earn big money on the free-agent market.
But what about the 2023 NFL draft?
In his latest column for Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer believes the Commanders will study this quarterback class hard.
Last year, the Commanders didn’t plan to take a quarterback in the draft, and only wound up grabbing Sam Howell in the fifth round because, at that point, his grade was so much higher than that of anyone else left on their board. So when considering him as a likely starter, know that Washington never really saw him as a fifth-rounder in the first place. That said, I’d expect the Commanders, who pick 16th, to study the quarterbacks hard.
Much of Washington’s plan in the first round of the draft depends on what happens in free agency. The Commanders need multiple starters on the offensive line and another cornerback. If they address some of those areas in free agency, perhaps Washington makes a move for a quarterback in the draft.
Four passers are expected to go in the first round: Bryce Young. C.J. Stroud, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. All four are likely out of reach for Washington at No. 16, but if the Commanders love one, perhaps they could move up for one. However, that appears doubtful, with Rivera needing to win in 2023. He isn’t going to give up multiple assets for a quarterback who may not help him next season.
But if either Levis or Richardson fall, you can’t rule it out. There’s also Hendon Hooker of Tennessee, who will go sometime after round one due to his injury and age. Hooker is an intriguing prospect who says he’ll be ready for training camp.
Many have been skeptical that the Commanders are all-in on Howell in 2023. Not because they don’t like him, but because of Rivera’s need to win, why would he rely so heavily on someone with 19 career passes?
Next to Washington’s wild ownership situation, this will be interesting to watch over the next two months.
