There is significant buzz circulating within the Washington Commanders organization regarding the possibility of making a trade to secure the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The target? USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
As per ESPN’s Dan Graziano, certain commanders and executives are intrigued by the notion of maneuvering up the draft order to secure Williams.
However, they are mindful that their ambitions may hinge on the Chicago Bears’ intentions. If the Bears have their sights set on Williams at the top spot, Washington’s aspirations might be out of reach.
Nevertheless, even if the Bears opt for Williams, the Commanders would still have enticing quarterback prospects available at the No. 2 spot. North Carolina’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels present formidable options for Washington.
The recent hiring of Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator under new head coach Dan Quinn raised eyebrows across the league.
Kingsbury, renowned for his coaching stints at Texas Tech and the Arizona Cardinals, served as USC’s senior offensive analyst in 2023. His close collaboration with Williams during the previous season has fueled speculation that the Commanders are eyeing the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner.
However, Graziano urges caution, emphasizing that Kingsbury’s arrival doesn’t guarantee Washington’s acquisition of Williams.
Maye’s familiarity with an Air Raid-style offense akin to Kingsbury’s and Daniels’ potential fit under his tutelage, given his similarities to Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, add layers of complexity to the decision-making process.
Since the conclusion of the 2022 season, Williams has been widely touted as the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft—a status that remains unchanged.
In 2022, he showcased his dominance by amassing impressive statistics: 4,537 passing yards, 42 touchdowns, and five interceptions, coupled with 382 rushing yards and 10 scores.
Although his production dipped slightly in 2023, his prowess remained evident, recording 3,633 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and five interceptions, along with 142 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Washington’s search for a dynamic quarterback akin to the early days of Robert Griffin III’s rookie season in 2012 underscores the significance of acquiring Williams. Yet, the Commanders are not beholden to this singular pursuit.
If the Bears prove steadfast in selecting Williams or demand exorbitant compensation for moving up a spot, Washington retains the flexibility to explore other avenues.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, prying the No. 1 overall pick from Chicago’s grasp would necessitate an unprecedented offer. Sources suggest that the proposition would need to be nothing short of “crazy” for the Bears to consider trading down.
In the event that the Bears stay put and select Williams, Maye and Daniels emerge as formidable alternatives. Either quarterback possesses the potential to evolve into the premier signal-caller of the draft class, rivaling Williams’ impact over time.
