Commanders exec rumored to endorse NFL Draft quarterback prospect

A respected NFL insider claimed that Washington Commanders executive Marty Hurney has given quarterback Anthony Richardson his seal of approval. 

The time for speculation and rumors is almost at an end as the Washington Commanders gear up for a crucial 2023 NFL Draft for the franchise. It’ll be interesting to see how Ron Rivera and his staff approach the event, which will go a long way to determining how successful the organization can become next time around.

As is normally the case where the Commanders are concerned, there is drama attached. Perhaps the influence of the team’s new ownership group could cause some distractions, even if the process has yet to be formally completed via NFL approval.

The Commanders also revealed earlier that they won’t be picking up Chase Young’s fifth-year option. This came with interesting timing attached, which led some to believe that Washington could be open for business regarding a potential trade for the No. 2 overall selection in 2020.

All this adds more fascinating layers to the entire draft. One also cannot ignore Eric Bieniemy’s influence on recruitment playing a significant part in proceedings after his high-profile switch from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Commanders executive has advocated for Anthony Richardson

While discussing the Commanders in his recent mock draft, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed an interesting little nugget regarding quarterback Anthony Richardson, one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2023 class.

The respected insider, who had the Commanders passing on Richardson for Joey Porter Jr. at No. 16, indicated that executive vice president of football/player personnel Marty Hurney has advocated for the one-time Florida stud throughout the pre-draft assessment phase.

"“The Commanders would be putting a lot of faith in Sam Howell (and they do have that faith in him) by passing on (Anthony) Richardson at this stage of the first round. And I did get a little late information that Washington exec Marty Hurney has advocated for Richardson.”"

Now say what you want about Hurney, but the man knows what a first-round pick looks like. And if the front office figure sees something in Richardson, it will hold plenty of weight within the Commanders’ war room.

Whether it’s enough to shift the dynamic is another matter. Besides, there’s a good chance Richardson will be long gone by the time Washington goes on the clock in any case.

Rivera seems confident enough in Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett leading the charge next season. If it doesn’t work out, then it won’t take long for landmark changes across the board to take place under new owners.

As for Richardson, he could be absolutely anything. Hurney worked closely with a similar athlete in Cam Newton during their time together on the Carolina Panthers, so he knows more than most what a player like this can do when everything clicks into place.

Hurney’s track record with high-end draft picks is extraordinary.

The rest? Not so much.

If the Commanders do end up making a daring trade-up for Richardson or taking the signal-caller should he fall to No. 16, then we know who to thank. Because there is enough trust between Hurney and Rivera for this to be a genuine possibility depending on how the draft board plays out.