3 major observations from Commanders’ selection of Sam Howell

1. Carson Wentz was consulted

The Commanders drafting a quarterback was always going to be met with widespread witticism concerning Carson Wentz.

Of course, the Eagles’ selection of Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 draft supposedly marked the beginning of the end of Wentz’s relationship with the franchise. Reports indicate Wentz was offended by the pick and let it impact his leadership and presence in Philadelphia’s locker room.

On the surface, we understand where Wentz was coming from. As a professional athlete, though, you have to have thicker skin and Ron Rivera made sure not to have a repeat of the Eagles debacle before the team drafted Howell.

"“I had an opportunity to talk with Carson before we made the pick.” Rivera told reporters after the draft. “I wanted to make sure he understood that this is just all about developing a young guy more so than anything else.” “He’s our number one going forward, and he just appreciated the fact that I gave him the heads up, which I thought was really cool. He was actually pretty excited because he just thinks that there are a lot of good things about Sam.”"

That’s great to hear. Credit to Rivera for consulting in Wentz before making the selection and credit to Wentz for giving the green light. We just hope Wentz’s confidence doesn’t waver if he hits a poor run of form.

With the Colts, Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger were the only backups who could threaten his job. With Washington, Wentz will have Howell and Taylor Heinicke breathing down his neck if he hits a rough patch.

Fortunately, Wentz seems to unbothered by the pick.