3 pros and cons of Sam Howell being Commanders QB1 in 2024
By Dean Jones
Con No. 1
Draft standing could impact Sam Howell
The Washington Commanders are freefalling toward a high-end pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. They are now in sole possession of the No. 4 selection after every four-win team emerged victorious during their bye. It could get even better in the coming weeks depending on how the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals fare.
If the Commanders don't start stacking victories and the two aforementioned teams above them finish the season strongly, a top-two pick isn't out of the question. With a new regime coming into the fold, drafting a quarterback in Round No. 1 will be seriously discussed.
Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are the consensus top two signal-callers. Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels is gaining momentum at the right time. Michael Penix Jr. can aid his credentials by guiding Washington to a national championship in the coming weeks.
This will have significant ramifications on Sam Howell's status. While most fans are clamoring for the franchise to draft an elite left tackle, no avenue will be completely shut. A fresh set of ideas coupled with where the Commanders are going to be picking dictates as much.
Any quarterback taken in the top five is expected to start right away. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson continued this trend in 2023. That would leave Howell on the outside looking in and potential trade bait if this scenario came to fruition.