Why Commanders' latest hire could mean a trade up for No. 1 pick

The Commanders currently have the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the new regime seems to have its eyes on acquiring the No. 1 pick following the team's latest hire.

On Sunday night, ESPN's Adam Schefter announced that Washington is hiring Kliff Kingsbury as its new offensive coordinator.

Kingsbury is the latest name to join the Commanders new regime led by owner Josh Harris and head coach Dan Quinn. But many believe his arrival hints at the team's plans in this year's draft.

Kingsbury has been the senior offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach at USC for the past year, helping to develop QB Caleb Williams.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is the favorite to hear his name called first at the 2024 draft after throwing for 8,170 yards, 72 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions over the past two years.

After the news broke, Schefter said, "Let the speculation begin," and rightfully so since Washington is certainly in striking distance of the first overall pick.

It will likely still prove costly to move up from No. 2 to No. 1, but the Commanders now seem to be in the best spot to do so if they are preparing to go get their guy.

The Bears must first decide what they plan to do with the No. 1 pick, however. Chicago has maybe the most difficult decision of the offseason, deciding whether to stick with QB Justin Fields or draft Williams.

The Bears traded out of the top pick for a king's ransom last year and they could surely do it again if they decide to stick with Fields (or are comfortable with another QB prospect). But after yet another losing season (7-10) in 2023, Chicago may be ready for a change. 

If Washington is looking to move up, it's hoping that's not the case. But only time will tell as yet another exciting offseason is right on the horizon with the Bears and Commanders being maybe the biggest players to start things off.