As we inch closer to learning where the top 2023 NFL Draft QB prospects will land, some teams are reportedly making plans to be in position for USC’s Caleb Williams, the projected No. 1 pick of the 2024 draft class.
But for teams who still have an urgent need at the quarterback position, their best chance to solve the issue comes within the first five picks with multiple different prospects available on April 27.
For a team like the Washington Commanders, the expectation of Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis all being off the board by the time Washington is on the clock at No. 16 does them no good.
Sure, there’s the hope of somehow plucking Hendon Hooker at just the right time, not too high and not too low, but like all the other incoming QB prospects, the Tennessee product has several question marks surrounding his ability to translate his talent to the pros.
One alternative for Washington includes rolling with 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett at QB in 2023. For now, this appears to be the plan in D.C. Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer doesn’t expect Washington’s plans to change any time soon.
Instead, the NFL insider suggests the Commanders could be one of the teams aiming to move back from the 16th pick, hoping to acquire more 2024 draft capital. This would be an attempt to better position themselves to potentially land D.C. native Caleb Williams during next year’s draft.
Related: 5 NFL teams who should tank for Caleb Williams in 2023
Naturally, Williams is expected to be the top pick next offseason. But like we saw this year, just because a team is the worst in the league, it doesn’t mean they have a need at the QB position, with the Chicago Bears auctioning off their top pick to Carolina.
Perhaps a similar scenario plays out next offseason. If so, the Commanders apparently want to be prepared to strike. Of course, it takes two to tango. Just because the Commanders want to trade down, it doesn’t mean they’ll find a willing partner prepared to part with next year’s first-round selection.