2024 NFL Mock Draft: Will Washington Commanders 'Roll Dice' on Sam Howell?

Quarterback or pass rusher? In FOX Sports' latest mock draft, the Washington Commanders chose the latter in Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse.

The Washington Commanders' hopes of getting back to the postseason for the first time since 2020 appear to be slipping away.

As losers of four of their last five games and owners of a 4-7 record, the Commanders have endured tough sledding lately - and some eyes are beginning to shift towards the 2024 NFL Draft.

Washington currently possesses the No. 7 overall pick, a prime spot to add an early impact player - and FOX Sports' most recent mock draft has the Commanders doing exactly that, selecting Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse.

But perhaps most prominently, FOX Sports casts doubt on quarterback Sam Howell's future in Washington, even though the second-year pro is the only signal caller in the league with at least 3,000 passing yards as things stands.

Will new owner Josh Harris and company decide to keep Howell? How much of a say will coach Ron Rivera have, if he's still a part of the organization?

"There are lots of decisions ahead for the new ownership group, who may roll the dice of one more year of the Sam Howell roller coaster ride," FOX Sports writes. "How would a new head coach feel about that, though?"

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At least for now, it appears Verse is the path best traveled, and he'd fill a clear need for the Commanders after the trades of defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat.

Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse hits LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels / Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

The 23-year-old Verse has been one of college football's most disruptive pressure players over the past several years. He was an All-American in 2022 after recording nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss but chose to return to Tallahassee for his redshirt junior year.

To date, Verse has notched six-and-a-half tackles for loss and four-and-a-half sacks while adding eight quarterback hits. At 6-4, 260 pounds, Verse's size matches his production and creates the profile of one of the draft's premiere pass rushers.

There's still over five months until the first round of the draft begins, but with Washington's season losing hope, it's important to start thinking about the future - and Verse may just be a part of it.