NFL Mock Draft: Commanders Pick Sam Howell Successor

The Washington Commanders hold the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft and with it, they take their next franchise quarterback.

Sam Howell's first year as a starter for the Washington Commanders ended with a 4-13 record and his franchise having the No. 2 overall pick.

In what will be an offseason of change in the nation's capital, one position that is looming as the biggest change is at quarterback.

While Howell did show promise at times this season, at others, he looked out of his depth. That is expected at times with a player who prior to this season, only had one regular season start.

But did he show enough to warrant the starting job next season? Possibly, but with Washington holding such a high draft pick, CBS Sports has the Commanders taking Howell's successor in Drake Maye from North Carolina.

"The quarterback who took over for Sam Howell in Chapel Hill also happens to the be one to take over his starting job in the NFL," CBS Sports writes. "Howell has staying power in the NFL as a backup, but his range of outcomes on a play-by-play basis is too volatile to solidify his long-term standing."

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With a new ownership group taking over and wholesale changes expected, the chance for the Commanders to start fresh with a new franchise quarterback is an opportunity that is too good to pass up.

The 6-5, 220lb Maye threw for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions this season as he staked his claim to be a top pick in the draft. As such, the Commanders will select him to be the face of the franchise's turnaround under Josh Harris and general manager Adam Peters.

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What that means for Howell is a likely backup role as Washington will need to get games into Maye at the NFL level.

It has been an offseason of change for the Commanders, and in Maye, the franchise might have their quarterback for the next decade and be one step closer to moving out of the NFL doldrums.