The Washington Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, giving them a prime opportunity to select their franchise quarterback. While Caleb Williams is widely regarded as the top prospect, the Chicago Bears are expected to take him first overall, leaving Washington with a crucial decision to make. If they’re not sold on another quarterback or receive an enticing offer, they could explore trading down to acquire additional assets.

According to a mock draft by Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports, Washington could trade the No. 2 pick to the Atlanta Falcons, who would use it to draft Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels from LSU. Fornelli suggests that if the Commanders were set on Williams and he’s off the board, they might opt to move down, allowing Atlanta to secure its future quarterback. With offensive weapons like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, the Falcons could be just a quarterback away from becoming a serious contender.

In Fornelli’s scenario, the Commanders would land the No. 8 overall pick but wouldn’t receive additional compensation, which may seem like a light return for such a valuable selection. However, if Washington isn’t sold on the remaining quarterbacks, moving down could allow them to address other key areas of need.

Building the Offense Without Drafting a Quarterback

While finding a franchise quarterback remains the most logical move for Washington, improving the supporting cast is just as important. In Fornelli’s mock trade scenario, the Commanders select Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu with the No. 8 pick. Fashanu is an elite pass-blocker, capable of handling power rushers while also possessing the athleticism to counter speed threats. His ability to diagnose defensive schemes pre-snap makes him an intelligent and reliable option on the offensive line.

Should the Commanders Draft a Quarterback?

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If the Bears refuse to trade the No. 1 pick and Washington is uncertain about the quarterbacks available at No. 2, moving down could be a strategic play. With over $85 million in cap space, the Commanders have the financial flexibility to pursue a veteran quarterback through free agency or a trade.

The three most highly regarded quarterbacks in this draft—Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye—each bring different skill sets, but Washington’s front office must determine whether one of them is truly worth selecting at No. 2. If they aren’t convinced, trading back could allow them to bolster the roster while still addressing the quarterback position through other means.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether the Commanders believe one of these top quarterbacks can lead their franchise for years to come or if they’d be better off stockpiling assets and taking a different approach to roster building.