Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Dreams come true edition

Commanders draft Caleb Williams

• Quarterback | USC Trojans
• No. 2 overall

Any new regime is going to have different ideas on how best to take the franchise forward. If the Washington Commanders cement the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, their plans are likely to center on finding a franchise quarterback from the college ranks.

Sam Howell's recent regression and benching don't bode well for his chances of being QB1 in 2024. It's not been the best environment to flourish and he's had a lot on his plate within Eric Bieniemy's pass-heavy offense. When it's all said and done, those deciding his future will do so with no emotional attachment whatsoever.

In this scenario, the Commanders make Caleb Williams' dreams come true. The quarterback is a lifelong Washington fan. He hails from the D.C. area. He also has franchise-altering capabilities that could make the Commanders a force to be reckoned with.

This is dependent on what the Chicago Bears are going to do from atop the draft. They have the selection due to their trade down from No. 1 overall last year with the Carolina Panthers. But there are growing calls from the fanbase to build around Justin Fields after his notable strides forward in Year 3.

Williams has traits that cannot be taught. But the Commanders need to keep their head on a swivel in case someone jumps them in the pecking order to land the USC prospect. Chicago could also take him. They might also decide to bring Marvin Harrison Jr. or an offensive tackle into the fold in pursuit of giving Fields everything he needs to thrive.

Whether it's Williams or someone else, the Commanders are going to get a new quarterback this offseason. Where this leaves Howell's future is another matter.