The NFL’s worst-kept entering the offseason was the Washington Commanders were in the quarterback business. Head coach Ron Rivera told anyone who would listen Washington was adding a quarterback, preferably a veteran, but would not hesitate in starting a first-round rookie if he was ready.
Earlier this month, the Commanders ended their quarterback search, trading draft picks to the Indianapolis Colts for Carson Wentz. The Wentz trade has been criticized around the NFL, but for Washington, this was about upgrading the position in 2022. Wentz provides a clear upgrade for Washington from the past three seasons.
With Wentz under contract for three more seasons, should Washington still look at quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL draft?
Yes and no.
The Commanders hold the No. 11 overall pick in the draft. While this quarterback class isn’t described as very strong, multiple players have starting potential. Kenny Pickett is deemed the most NFL-ready, while Malik Willis offers immense upside.
If Willis or Pickett is there at No. 11 with Washington on the clock, should they be the pick?
No. Does anyone remember what happened in Philadelphia when Howie Roseman took Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft? It didn’t go well for the Eagles or Wentz. And while Wentz could downplay its impact on him that season, it was clearly an issue.
Washington can get out of Wentz’s contract with relative ease after the 2022 season if things don’t go as planned. Sure, the Commanders will lose the draft picks, but that’s the cost of doing business. Wentz is like a lottery ticket for Washington. If things go well, the Commanders have their quarterback for the foreseeable future. If things go as many have speculated, Washington is back in the same position in 2023.
So why not do everything possible to help Wentz succeed?
Let’s pretend the above scenario is in play, and another team, perhaps the New Orleans Saints, wants to move up for one of the quarterbacks. Washington should do everything to move down, accumulate more picks and fill out some of the holes on the roster that haven’t been filled in free agency.
The Commanders head into this draft needing an inside linebacker, wide receiver, tight end, cornerback, safety and a guard. Sure, some of these positions aren’t a major concern, but others are. If Washington moved down to say No. 18, it could still land a quality wideout, corner, or linebacker.
Let’s go back to the quarterback question. We’ve heard the Commanders like Desmond Ridder. What if he is there in the second round? Well, this presents an interesting situation. If you love the player, and he is there, then you have to select him — especially if it’s a quarterback. Right?
Theoretically, the answer would be yes. In Washington’s case, again, this is a negative. You can still land a quality starter in round two, so why would you take someone unlikely to play in 2022? Could bypassing a quarterback you like come back to haunt you later? Of course, but Washington needs to win in 2022, and Wentz is your only hope.
This is a unique situation. In any other year, I would say draft a quarterback every year until you find an answer. It’s the most important position in sports. But the Commanders have made a commitment to Wentz for at least one season. And, by virtually sitting out free agency, Washington needs a strong draft.
Is there still a scenario where picking a quarterback would be the right decision? Sure, but this draft should be about winning in 2022, which means surrounding Wentz with plenty of help. By giving him plenty of support, he has no excuses if things do not work out.