Commanders News: Ron Rivera, QB target, Martin Mayhew and Chase Young
By Dean Jones
Are Commanders targeting QB via draft?
As stated previously, the Washington Commanders are keeping everything on the table heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. Head coach Ron Rivera also stated that their board won’t become final until the morning before things officially get underway next Thursday.
This keeps the speculation churning about the Commanders potentially selecting a quarterback at some stage. While it would be surprising given the faith placed in Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett this offseason, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network didn’t rule it out when discussing the possibility.
"“What if the Commanders kinda go off the board a little bit and take a quarterback? They have visited with some. I wouldn’t rule that out at all, so Sam Howell as the likely starter but we’ll see what happens Thursday,”"
From NFL Now: The #Commanders view QB Sam Howell as their likely future starter... but there will be more clarity after the Draft. pic.twitter.com/DJLzXGrYF0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2023
Some would argue that Howell deserves his chance to take over the reins after impressing in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys. However, if someone like Anthony Richardson or C.J. Stroud dropped way below expectations, those in power could move in a different direction.
It’s also notable how much interest the Commanders have shown in Hendon Hooker throughout the evaluation process. The Tennessee product is on the old side and is recovering from a torn ACL, but he can make every NFL-caliber throw at all three levels of the field despite not hailing from a pro-style offense.