A more fitting name for the 2024 NFL Draft is the “Caleb Williams Sweepstakes.” Since his Heisman-winning season, Williams has been the topic of discussion for college and NFL fans alike. The anticipation overshadowed top quarterback prospects last year, like Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, because everyone knew who was arriving in 2024. With the draft less than two months away, conversations surrounding Williams are at an all-time high.
Media, draft experts, and sportsbooks (-1000) alike are convinced Williams will be the top pick come April. Justin Fields is a surefire trade candidate for Chicago because they’ll draft Williams at No. 1 and ride off into the sunset. But the truth is that nobody knows what’s going on in the Bears’ front office. If general manager Ryan Poles chooses to build around his current starter, what happens to Williams?
Caleb Williams to the Commanders: Reading Between the Lines
Caleb’s Connection to the Commanders
Enter the Washington Commanders, who are in a terrific spot to acquire Williams, even if it requires trading up. For starters, Washington recently hired Kliff Kingsbury as their offensive coordinator. Kingsbury is as familiar with Williams as anyone, given that he coached his offense at USC last season. Reuniting an acquainted tandem could help ease their way into these new roles.
A popular NFL comparison for Williams is Kyler Murray, who Kingsbury is familiar with, too. Kingsbury served as head coach of the Cardinals for a few seasons with Murray at the helm. Even before that, Kingsbury tried recruiting Murray to Texas Tech when he coached the Red Raiders. The 44-year-old coach has spent a decade looking for a Williams-esque player, and this is a golden opportunity.
Front Office and Coaching Changes
Additional roles within the Commanders’ organization are changing, as well. Team owner Josh Harris purchased the team less than a year ago, and he’s been busy this offseason. Harris hired general manager Adam Peters in January, then Dan Quinn as head coach weeks later.
Peters didn’t confirm the Commanders will draft a quarterback with the 2nd overall pick, but he didn’t deny it either. “Quarterback, just like all the positions, we’re gonna sit down and evaluate,” said Peters in his introductory press conference. He then said it’ll be a collaborative process between himself, Washington’s coaching staff, and various research departments. Peters’ words don’t give away much, but they confirm the Commanders will do their homework on this quarterback class.
Washington’s coaching staff is led by Dan Quinn, whose coaching background is defensive-minded. Outside of head coaching the Falcons from 2015-2020, Quinn has spent his entire career in various defensive coaching roles. The main takeaway is that Quinn likely won’t have the final say on Washington’s quarterback debate. Instead, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury would assume a meaningful role in Washington’s decision.
How Caleb Williams Fits in Washington
Caleb Williams is supposed to succeed regardless of what team he ends up on. A team like the Commanders could make that easier for Williams with their talented playmakers. Williams would have perennial 1,000-yard receiver Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, a 2022 first-round pick, at his disposal.
Additionally, the Commanders have a respectable running game, which always helps young quarterbacks. Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson form a dynamic duo with diverse skill sets in the backfield. Even with subpar offensive line performance, the Commanders have built an offense that Williams can flourish in.
Acquiring Williams would be massive for a team looking to sell tickets and build a new stadium. The fanbase would rally around Williams in a heartbeat, seeing as he was born and raised in Washington, D.C. Of course, the decision ultimately belongs to Chicago, not Washington. Their in-house assessment of Justin Fields (and Marvin Harrison Jr.) remains the biggest story of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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