What is it about Sam Howell and Desmond Ridder that makes you think these two guys are the right choices over Lamar Jackson right now?
Ridder was drafted in the third round, the 74th overall selection by the Falcons, and Howell in the fifth round, the 144th overall selection by the Commanders in the 2022 NFL Draft.
“I’m not sold on Desmond Ridder,” expressed Feldman. “I think he ran faster at the Combine than people saw on (game) film.”
“He was a really good player on a team that kept getting better and better at Cincinnati. But I am hesitant on that one.”
“I know that Washington really likes Sam Howell, but as much as they liked him, they still took him in the fifth round. I think they are in a position where they are going to give this year to be almost like a make or break year for you (Howell).”
“If he does not convince you that he is going to be a franchise quarterback, you’re doing everything you can to bring Caleb Williams, (USC QB) who is from Washington DC, home.
Feldman added he does not see Washington taking Will Levis if available at No. 16 because they need someone to play now.
Eisen then countered that Lamar Jackson was playing right up the road in the Mid-Atlantic and the Commanders have no interest in Jackson. Eisen then mentioned, “They have Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson.”
Feldman quickly agreed stating “that is better skill talent than Jackson had in Baltimore.”
Feldman pointed to Lamar Jackson could help a good team be a contender now. But did raise the question of what Jackson will be five years from now.
He further expressed he felt Jackson could do wonders “for the fan base of a team that has not won in a while.”
He did acknowledge he does not know why Jackson is being treated the way he is. Interestingly enough, in the segment, they did not discuss some of Jackson’s numbers declining as well. For instance, he led the NFL in 2019 QBR (83.0). The last two seasons have been 50.7 and 59.0.