Are the Commanders playing a waiting game with Hendon Hooker?

Are the Washington Commanders playing a waiting game in their potential quest to land quarterback Hendon Hooker in the 2023 NFL Draft?

All signs are pointing to the Washington Commanders beginning the 2023 season with either Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback. There will reportedly be genuine competition in camp according to Ron Rivera and whoever comes out on top will be under center in Week 1.

The promise of new ownership is unlikely to change this plan. We are too late into the offseason process to make a drastic shift, and there are very few – if any – players available that represent an upgrade in any case.

Of course, the 2023 NFL Draft brings about a fresh set of college signal-callers looking to take their chances at the next level. While the top four should be out of Washington’s reach at No. 16, the Commanders have taken plenty of interest in Hendon Hooker throughout the evaluation process and might make him a shock pick depending on how the draft board plays out.

Commanders won’t risk future assets for Hendon Hooker

When discussing the prospect of Hooker joining the Commanders recently, John Keim of ESPN stated there was interest, but it would be a waiting game for those in power rather than trading up to take the former Tennessee star.

"“It’s also unlikely they’ll draft a quarterback in the first round, unless a top guy unexpectedly falls into their lap. The Commanders like Hendon Hooker (Tennessee), though, and if he’s sitting there in the second or third round, I could see them drafting him. They are reluctant to relinquish a lot of draft capital and would rather use that to build out the roster around (Sam) Howell. If he fails, the organization can try again next year with a stronger squad around a new quarterback.”"

Moving forward and building around Howell should be the play. Besides, the chances of Hooker sliding into the second or third round appear pretty remote at this juncture.

Many analysts are projecting Hooker to be a first-round pick at some stage despite being an older prospect recovering from a serious knee complication. Perhaps a team like the Minnesota Vikings could take the plunge and let the incoming rookie sit behind former Commanders quarterback Kirk Cousins before his contract expires.

As Keim stated, if Howell doesn’t work out, then the 2024 class appears to be rich in talent that the Commanders could use to kick off their new era. Adding Hooker – even if he fell into Day 2 – would jeopardize these contingency plans.

While the temptation could be there, the Commanders have other pressing priorities that must be addressed to stand any chance of launching an NFC East title bid. Primarily, strengthening the offensive line and finding a cornerback with shutdown potential.

Hooker could be a solid pro based on his college production. He was a Heisman Trophy candidate before devastation struck in 2022 and has been lauded for his ability to inspire others with clutch production and impressive leadership.

Rivera has a lot on the line next season. He’s likely betting his position on Howell or Brissett – and even a decent upturn in performance levels might not be enough to escape the ax if the new owners want to make a bigger splash.

Time will tell on all fronts.