Commanders' Dan Quinn Reveals What He's Looking For in Rookie QB

The Washington Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick and head coach Dan Quinn has detailed what he's looking for in this year's draft talent.

Washington Commanders Introduce Dan Quinn As New Head Coach During Press Conference / Jess Rapfogel/GettyImages

The Washington Commanders are going through their quarterback evaluation process as the franchise holds the No. 2 overall pick.

Rumors are swirling around as to who the Commanders could take to lead the franchise into its new era with owner Josh Harris, Dan Quinn and Adam Peters.

But before the organization can make a decision on who they will take, there are some things that the quarterbacks need to tick off the Commanders list when it comes to evaluating them.

For Quinn, how the players process things on the field is a big area of interest.

"More than anything, it's the ability from the neck up, talking about the evaluation of quarterback," Quinn said. "There's so much that goes into it of making decisions and putting the ball in the right spot, the accuracy, the toughness. So, all of those things really encompass into it but it's not specific to cookie cutter for us. "

Washington Commanders Introduce Dan Quinn As New Head Coach During Press Conference / Jess Rapfogel/GettyImages

Being mentally tough is a prerequisite for incoming quarterbacks and especially for ones taken high in the draft. Not often is the situation they are walking into is a good one, hence the team's high draft pick.

However, the Commanders are in a unique situation where they have salary cap space (which was used well in free agency) to bring in quality players and also have a good draft hand. Moves have already been made by the franchise to put good pieces around their young quarterback to give them the best chance of success.

But despite knowing what he wants from a quarterback, Quinn knows that he can't put each player in the same bracket when it comes to evaluating them.

“It's not one size fits all, but I think there are some measurables that you do want to find some markers to hit for a quarterback," Quinn said. "You hear about hand size and his ability to rotate, shoulder flexibility and all of those things, those will show up on the table.
And also, being where we live, better be weather resistant too and be able to play into elements and do all that cause they certainly have games, that will be that way."

So the Commanders likely know they will be taking a quarterback at No. 2 despite rumors that the franchise could trade back. But the first step in identifying which quarterback suits your organization, due-diligence much be done.

Quinn and Co. have the criteria they're looking for and now have to figure out which quarterback best suits them.