Washington Commanders Rumored to Target Caleb Williams as Franchise Quarterback in 2024 NFL Draft
ICARO Media Group
The Washington Commanders are reportedly planning a bold move to secure a long-term franchise quarterback in the 2024 season. Speculation is mounting that the team might set its sights on Caleb Williams, a Washington, D.C. native, as their next signal-caller.
According to ESPN insider Dan Graziano, the Commanders are a team to watch in the coming weeks as they undergo changes in coaching staff, front office, and potentially at the quarterback position. With a new regime taking charge, there is a strong possibility that big changes are on the horizon, including the selection of a premier college prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
As of now, Washington holds the No. 3 pick in the draft, but if they lose their remaining games and the Arizona Cardinals win one, they could potentially move up to the No. 2 spot. This could put them in a favorable position to either draft Williams or trade up in order to secure him.
Caleb Williams, who had an up-and-down final year at USC, possesses exceptional intangibles that have caught the attention of many in the league. Known for his ability to create magic on the field and make difficult throws with ease, Williams could bring back the excitement and draw disillusioned Commanders fans back to the stands.
The decision on whether to prioritize the quarterback position or solidify the left tackle position with talented prospects like Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu remains uncertain. However, with significant draft capital and a potential $100 million in free agency spending, the Commanders have options to bolster their team in multiple areas.
The upcoming weeks and months are expected to bring clarity to the Commanders' plans, as a new brain trust takes charge and starts making football decisions. It is crucial for the team's new ownership, led by Josh Harris, to allow the football experts to have the final say in order to avoid unnecessary complications.
The Commanders' pursuit of a franchise-changing quarterback has been a long-standing desire for the organization. While Caleb Williams is seen as a strong contender, other prospects like Drake Maye or Michael Penix Jr. could also be considerations depending on the pre-draft evaluation process.
There is also speculation surrounding trade possibilities involving the Chicago Bears, who hold the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive year. Passing up on the opportunity to select Williams or Maye in favor of giving Justin Fields another chance would be a significant gamble for the Bears.
The uncertainty surrounding the Commanders' decision makes the upcoming offseason an exciting time for a fanbase that has experienced limited success in recent years. The potential addition of Caleb Williams or another highly-touted quarterback could be the catalyst needed to rejuvenate the team and give fans something to cheer about after two decades of relative disappointment.
As the offseason approaches, fans and analysts alike will eagerly await news of the Commanders' plans for the quarterback position and how they intend to build a competitive team for the forthcoming seasons.