Commanders News: Caleb Williams, sale race, draft picks, absurd trade touted

Which Washington Commanders’ news stories are making significant waves as we enter the home stretch ahead of a fascinating 2023 NFL Draft?

Ron Rivera and the Washington Commanders have a hugely important 2023 NFL Draft ahead of them this week. Those in power must emerge from the selection process with some immediate impact players, which could make or break their chances of mounting an NFC East title challenge next season.

The rumor mill is currently swirling beyond measure. Among the stories causing debate recently include draft picks, the sale race not over yet, a potential plan to secure Caleb Williams in 2024, and an absurd trade proposal featuring defensive end duo Chase Young and Montez Sweat.

Let’s delve into each topic in more detail.

Story No. 1

Full list of Commanders 2023 NFL Draft picks

The Washington Commanders haven’t ruled anything out when the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around on Thursday. Ron Rivera and other influential figures feel like their free-agent moves provide an extra sense of freedom, although one or two glaring needs stand out above all else that must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Looking ahead to the event, here is a full list of Washington’s draft picks in 2023:

• Round No. 1 (Pick No. 16)
• Round No. 2 (Pick No. 47)
• Round No. 3 (Pick No. 97)
• Round No. 4 (Pick No. 118)
• Round No. 5 (Pick No. 150)
• Round No. 6 (Pick No. 193)
• Round No. 6 (Pick No. 215)
• Round No. 7 (Pick No. 233)

Rivera has drafted well overall since becoming the team’s head coach. This is something that needs to continue in 2023 as the Commanders embark on an exciting new ownership era before the campaign begins.

Commanders sale race not over?

Although things seem to be progressing well regarding the imminent Washington Commanders sale, one potential bidder hasn’t thrown in the towel just yet. Something that could bring another twist to what’s become a tiresome saga for almost every fan watching on.

When speaking on CNBC, Steve Apostolopoulos claimed he was still in the hunt despite Dan Snyder accepting a $6.05 billion offer from the ownership group led by Josh Harris. This process is currently going through NFL approval and there were very few problems with the first set of documents sent over to the league according to multiple reports.

Although he couldn’t comment too much, Apostolopoulos is obviously still hoping to involve himself at some stage. But much will depend on Snyder when it’s all said and done.

"“To respect the process that the NFL has set forward and Daniel Snyder. I think it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this time, as it is a live process. … (But) I am still in the hunt, yes. It’s hard to say (how close we are) right now, and as it’s a live process, I really don’t feel too comfortable saying too much. But it is a head-to-head process right now. I only know what’s been reported in the news (regarding Jeff Bezos), and from what I’ve seen, he’s not participating in the process.”"

While this might be true, Snyder has accepted just one bid so far despite claims that Apostolopoulos matched what the Harris group was offering. Whether this amounts to much more remains to be seen, but any further bid might delay the process and leave Commanders fans frustrated.

Are Commanders loading up for Caleb Williams?

While there is a slim chance the Washington Commanders select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, the smart money indicates they will move forward with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett as their duo next season. Something that could likely determine whether or not head coach Ron Rivera gets an extended stay under new ownership.

Rivera probably knows he’s betting his job on Howell or Brissett depending on which signal-caller wins their training camp competition. However, a recent claim from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated suggests Washington is forming a grander plan for football’s most prestigious position.

The respected insider stated those around the league believe that the Commanders could stockpile picks during the draft in readiness for a bold surge up the 2024 pecking order. The target? Heisman Trophy winner and current USC sensation Caleb Williams.

"“I, and most teams, would be very surprised if the Commanders took a quarterback, to the point where some have speculated the team could move capital into 2024 to ready for a run then at D.C.-area native (Caleb) Williams. You probably have to be the worst team in the league to get him, because whoever that team is probably won’t trade his rights away.”"

As Breer stated, the Commanders would have to be terrible to have a shot at Williams, who is a self-professed Commanders fan. And looking at the current roster, there is almost no chance Washington is bad enough to land the No. 1 overall selection.

Williams is a phenomenal prospect, so no team that is picking first would entertain a trade if it meant changing their fortunes under center. And teams picking first tend to have a major quarterback complication more often than not.

Absurd Commanders trade touted

This is silly season. Something that was further reflected by a jaw-droppingly ludicrous trade that was touted involving the Washington Commanders and their star defensive end tandem of Montez Sweat and Chase Young.

The Commanders have some important decisions upcoming contractually regarding both players. Washington must decide whether or not to pick up Young’s fifth-year option in the coming days, with Sweat also entering a contract year and looking for a big payday.

Keeping both happy will be difficult. But a recent suggestion by Michael Fish of Sports Illustrated claimed the Commanders should trade both – to the same team – during the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Seattle Seahawks were the speculated destination for Young and Sweat. However, the whole notion is absolutely asinine when one factors everything into the equation.

"“In short, try to “win the trade” by taking advantage of a Washington team that is stuck between a rock and a hard place here … and instantly inject star power in the defensive line of a Seattle franchise that would need to juggle its books a bit to make this happen short-term – and that would need to re-juggle in the future to retain the pair of former first-round picks. But if you want “go-for-it” mode from GM John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll? A call to Washington is a “go-for-it” start.”"

Trading one might be more realistic with Young as the preferred option. But to remove both at such a critical moment in franchise history is an absolute non-starter, to put it mildly.

Of all the trade rumors available at this time of year, this is the worst one I have seen by a considerable margin.