Washington Commanders should still consider QB early in 2022 NFL Draft
By Hunter Noll
If the quarterback they want is available, the Washington Commanders should still select him in the upcoming NFL Draft
The Washington Commanders made a move at quarterback. Earlier in the week, they sent some picks over to the Indianapolis Colts to get the services of Carson Wentz. It’s a move that’s not exactly popular with a lot of people.
Most people will admit Wentz is not a terrible quarterback. There are issues in other places. First, he’s owed a lot of money and it’s going to handicap Washington a little bit. Second, they sent away picks for a decent QB that might have been getting cut soon anyways. So the question becomes, did you really want him that badly? Would it have hurt if you missed out?
Finally, fans were getting excited about the team taking a quarterback in the draft. And that’s where this comes into play.
Washington swapped seconds (moving back a few spots). They also lost a third this year and a third (potentially second) next year. So that causes a bit of a problem. You see it was pretty clear the Commanders biggest need was at quarterback. Now that’s still a need, but a few things maybe get pushed past it. And even more importantly, you now have fewer draft picks to work with.
So that raises the question, what do you do with those picks? Washington still needs to add some talent at wide receiver. They could use some offensive linemen – especially if Brandon Scherff isn’t returning (and the Wentz addition puts that into even more question). The linebackers could use a boost, and a tight end wouldn’t be a terrible idea (Logan Thomas coming off multiple injuries last season). Of course, the secondary could definitely do with some moves being made.
All that being said and all that being known, if the Commanders have someone they want at quarterback – and he’s available – get him.
It doesn’t matter if it’s in the first, second, fourth, wherever. If Washington wants Malik Willis and he’s there at 11, draft him. And that goes for every other quarterback. Whether it’s Kenny Pickett in the first, or Sam Howell or Desmond Ridder in the second. Maybe Carson Strong later on. Whoever, go get them.
Obviously, Washington is planning on starting Wentz this season. You don’t trade away multiple draft picks and take on a massive salary like this to put them on the bench. But let’s also not pretend like Wentz is or should be their long-term plan. He’s not bad, but it feels like we’ve already seen what he’ll be.
And there’s no reason to delay getting your potential future quarterback. Now, you could argue that Washington could just wait until next year. And that’s absolutely a route to go. But if you really love someone – take them. Especially considering this is a solid team. And with an upgrade at quarterback, they could go over .500 and maybe even find a playoff spot.
If that happens, then they are in a position where they’ll likely need to trade up in the draft to get a top QB next year. And they’re already losing a pick next season, so having to throw more draft capital to get your guy is setting that rookie QB up for failure with less and less around him.
Maybe Wentz will turn it around again and become a star. He could also fizzle out and not even play the full season. Or he could just continue to be a solid-but-won’t-get-you-over-the-hump QB.
For the longest time, it’s felt like the Washington Commanders have needed a true franchise quarterback. Getting Wentz doesn’t change that. Don’t miss out on your guy just because you brought him in.