The Washington Commanders face a challenging choice with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Some experts believe their decision should not be swayed by trade options. Bill Barnwell of ESPN suggested that the Commanders stick to their position at No. 2 as the opportunity to select a promising franchise quarterback is too enticing and valuable to overlook.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, he rates LSU’s Jayden Daniels higher than North Carolina’s Drake Maye in his most recent quarterback prospect rankings. It appears highly likely that USC’s Caleb Williams will be selected by the Chicago Bears as the first overall pick.

Barnwell emphasized the importance of having the opportunity to select a potential franchise quarterback in any sport. He expressed that while the quality of draft classes may vary from year to year, the greatest value lies in securing a top pick to choose a quarterback with long-term potential. For the Commanders, drafting a quarterback at No. 2 would likely yield more significant benefits compared to acquiring two other top-10 picks and using them on non-quarterback positions.

Barnwell’s analysis also acknowledged the significant value that the No. 2 overall pick holds for a team.

According to him, trading away this pick could result in the team acquiring multiple first-round selections in future drafts. This trade scenario might involve a team that is currently distant from being a contender, such as the Raiders or Broncos. Such a possibility presents an appealing opportunity for the Commanders.

Commanders Taking Steps to Achieve Victory in 2024

Barnwell highlighted that Washington’s general manager Adam Peters and new head coach Dan Quinn are not indicating any intention to have a losing season in 2024.

The Commanders added linebacker Bobby Wagner to their roster, who previously played under Quinn during his time as defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. They also secured the signings of two players from the Dallas Cowboys, where Quinn served as defensive coordinator in 2023, including Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz and defensive end Dorance Armstrong, who agreed to a lucrative three-year, $45 million contract.

The Commanders have added running back Austin Ekeler to their roster from the Los Angeles Chargers. Known as one of the top pass-catching running backs in the NFL, Ekeler has achieved over 1,000 yards of total offense in four of the past five seasons.

Barnwell noted that the Commanders appear to be a team geared towards success in 2024. If they are not fully convinced by any of the non-Williams quarterbacks in the No. 2 spot, they might contemplate trading down. Otherwise, it is crucial for them to remain at their current position and select a quarterback.

Commanders’ No. 2 Overall Pick Marred by Unfortunate Past

The 2024 NFL draft marks the sixth instance in the Commanders’ history where they hold the No. 2 overall pick, a position that has been associated with mostly unfavorable outcomes for the franchise.

During the 1961 draft, Washington selected Wake Forest quarterback Norm Snead at No. 2, but he struggled with a 9-30 record over three seasons as a starter before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Another notable selection at No. 2 was Penn State linebacker Lavar Arrington, who had a strong start to his career, earning three Pro Bowl appearances and two NFL All-Pro Team selections in his first four seasons. However, knee injuries limited him to just 10 starts over the following two seasons, leading to his departure from the league by 2006.

Washington chose Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III as their No. 2 pick in 2012. Griffin had a strong start to his NFL career, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and earning a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season. However, he struggled as a starter, posting a 5-15 record over the following two seasons. Griffin did not play in the entire 2015 season and was ultimately released in 2016.

In 2020, the Commanders selected Ohio State defensive end Chase Young with the No. 2 pick. Young had an impressive rookie season, being named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and making the Pro Bowl. However, he faced challenges with injuries, playing only 12 games over the next two seasons before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.