Why Commanders would be foolish to draft quarterback in second round

For most of the offseason, the Washington Commanders were in contention to draft a quarterback. Slated with the No. 11 overall pick, most assumed they’d be in position to take either one of Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis.

The trade for Carson Wentz changed everything, however.

Anything can happen, obviously, but the Wentz trade might be a good thing in hindsight considering Pickett and Willis could both come off the board within the first 10 picks. If the Commanders were still in need of a QB, they might have felt compelled to reach on Desmond Ridder, Matt Corral or Sam Howell.

Luckily, fans don’t have to worry about that. After all, there’s another polarizing topic making the rounds on Commanders Twitter and the latest mock from ESPN analyst Jordan Reid will only make the conversation grow louder.

After mocking USC receiver Drake London to Washington in Round 1, Reid had Washington draft North Carolina QB Sam Howell at pick No. 47.

Though a good value pick given Howell’s upside, the Commanders would be foolish to take a quarterback with their second pick.

The Commanders better not draft a QB in the second round.

Here’s what Reid had to say (subscription required) about the pick.

"The Commanders could look to give themselves a security blanket in case Carson Wentz doesn’t play well. Howell would be a welcome addition to a team searching for a long-term answer under center."

Those are fair points, but we’d counter with this: Why would the Commanders take a quarterback with their second pick after they just traded a 2022 third-rounder and what will likely be a 2023 second-rounder if Wentz starts the majority of games next season?

We’ve defended the Wentz trade at every turn, but we’d have zero motivation to further barricade it if the team takes a QB this early. If the front office chooses to take a late-round flier on Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe, Western Michigan’s Kaleb Eleby or Iowa State’s Brock Purdy, then by all means knock yourself out.

If Ron Rivera has as much conviction in Wentz as he claims, Washington would draft position players with their first two picks. Anything less would be franchise malpractice given how many holes are scattered throughout the roster.

Think about it. How could the Commanders possibly justify taking a Sam Howell, Matt Corral or (holds breath) Carson Strong with their second pick when one of Daxton Hill, Lewis Cine, Jaquan Brisker, Jalen Pitre, George Pickens, Christian Watson Sky Moore, David Bell, Kaiir Elam or Roger McCreary could be available?

You’d be taking a backup — probably a third-stringer considering Taylor Heinicke is still under contract — over a potential 7-10 year starter.

If we were running Washington’s draft (if only), we would draft the best player available in the first round with WR taking precedence. If Kyle Hamilton falls or they have a huge crush on Derek Stingley, take them and go WR at No. 47.

We could even be talked into taking a linebacker in Round 2. The bottom line is drafting a quarterback that early better not be on the table.

That’s not to say we don’t see the intrigue of such a move, but you acquired Wentz for a reason. Quarterback is no longer a pressing need and should not, under any circumstance, be addressed any earlier than the fifth round.