5 quarterbacks the Commanders could select in the 2023 NFL Draft

MALIK CUNNINGHAM, LOUISVILLE

Sean Clifford is a good running quarterback. Malik Cunningham is an elite runner – and not just when compared to other prospects at the position.

Cunningham has been clocked at 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash. But when you watch him, he looks even faster. He is simply a natural runner, with excellent vision, balance, and lateral movement that makes him very dangerous in the open field.

The fact that he is 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds will hinder his progress in the pros. That’s Kyler Murray-size, though the former No. 1 overall selection has a somewhat thicker frame and an elite arm. Cunningham does not.

Cunningham has a very good arm, and he has been a consistent passer throughout his five years at Louisville. But he scares you with his legs.

After a fine game against Florida State earlier this year, he made a poor decision and throw in the final seconds that prevented a miracle finish. Unfortunately, that’s the throw I most associate with Cunningham. But I associate a dozen different runs where he is simply unstoppable.

Cunningham didn’t throw for many touchdowns during his final year at Louisville. But during his last two years as a Cardinal, he ran for 32 scores.

The prospect opted out of his team’s Bowl game against Air Force, and there was a time when such a decision might have hurt him in the eyes of some teams. I don’t think that is the case anymore. But I would be leery of expecting him to be able to step onto the field the way Brock Purdy did for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.

If, on the other hand, a team like the Washington Commanders was looking for a gadget player – not unlike what D’Eriq King has been doing for the DC Defenders this season – then Cunningham could be a serious weapon.

With Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett having a good hold on the starter and backup slots, that kind of sounds like the Commanders, doesn’t it?