Commanders 5-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Molding a contender

Commanders draft Hendon Hooker

• Quarterback | Tennessee Volunteers

Ron Rivera recently stated that Sam Howell will go into OTAs atop the quarterback depth chart. However, the former North Carolina standout would be foolish to ignore the prospect of potential arrivals coming into the fold for competition.

There are a few veterans that could provide immediate assistance and solid depth in free agency. But after the Washington Commanders were burned by their trade for Carson Wentz, any move they make next must be the correct one.

Going down the draft route is another option to consider. Although more pressing needs in Round No. 1 mean they could examine those further down the pecking order as potential options.

One such individual is Hendon Hooker, who brings a ton of talent but could drop due to some red flags. The signal-caller looked like a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2022 before his campaign was cruelly cut short by injury, which is something teams will thoroughly examine before finalizing their draft board.

Another slight knock on Hooker is his age. The prospect is 25 years old -which is older than some current NFL starting quarterbacks – but considering how long those under center are playing these days, it doesn’t appear to be that concerning.

If Hooker does slide this far, the Commanders could pick him as a low-risk, high-reward option that gives them two rookie contracts to build around alongside Howell.