USAT: Washington Wire audio clip

USAT: Washington Wire

Feb 24, 2022

Though this year’s quarterback class is considered weaker in comparison to last year’s, until Washington gets a significant veteran quarterback signed, it will be expected to take one early in the 2022 NFL draft. - Kevin Sheehan and Ben Standig discussed this harmony on Wednesday’s episode of Sheehan’s podcast. - If Washington were somehow to miraculously deal for Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Derek Carr, or Aaron Rodgers, they would be required to part ways with some early draft choices over the next couple of drafts. If they cannot make a deal for a significant veteran, they could “settle” for an insignificant veteran such as Marcus Mariota or Mitch Trubisky, and then also draft a quarterback in the first or second round. - Washington went the latter route last season signing Ryan Fitzpatrick to a one-year contract for $10 million. Trubisky has certainly not lived up to expectations being drafted No.2 overall in the 2017 NFL draft. Nor would his signing result in a parade in Ashburn. - Sheehan knowing the Commanders feel the need to make a splash, mentioned drafting Malik Willis, re-emphasizing, they know they need to generate interest in this team. - Standig agreed that fans will be clamoring for a rookie drafted in the first round more than Taylor Heinicke. - Sheehan considers Kenny Pickett’s ceiling higher than analysts are declaring, but is convinced, “Willis by far and away has the highest ceiling.”  Standig was quick to clarify, “nobody is saying it is a bad draft; we are saying it lacks the upside of last year’s class. Thus it is a much harder projection to see these quarterbacks being what you think a star quarterback in this league is.” Standig reiterated he is not saying, “these quarterbacks are horrendous and shouldn’t be drafted.” - Carson Wentz is not someone Standig finds worth trading draft capital to obtain. Yet, he did not rule out that if Wentz was released, Washington might sign him. - Sheehan believes the two veterans remaining that Washington will pursue are Mariota and Trubisky. Standig thinks Teddy Bridgewater might be considered as well. - The scouting combine (March 1-7) and the NFL free agency signing period (March 16) are right around the corner with the 2022 NFL draft scheduled for April 28-30. - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Washington Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Washington Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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