Are Washington Commanders Properly Equipped to Begin New Era With Rookie QB?

The Washington Commanders are likely to take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick, but has the franchise put enough pieces around their young star to have a successful season?

Feb 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn (L) smiles as Commanders / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Commanders have worked feverishly during free agency to add quality players to a roster that was in desperate need of it. After a poor 2023 season that saw the franchise end with a 4-13 record, a new era is dawning with a shiny new quarterback the centerpiece of it all.

But has the franchise done enough in free agency to properly give their young quarterback a fighting chance in his rookie season? Austin Ekeler and Zach Ertz are the only offensive additions who weren't offensive linemen (Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz).

The franchise does have six picks in the top 100, but will that be enough for whichever quarterback they select to thrive in their first season? NFL.com has some doubts.

“Holding the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, the Commanders are in a prime spot to take the kind of franchise quarterback they’ve sought since the end of the Kirk Cousins era,” NFL.com writes. “They’ll have their pick of a litter that will presumably include everyone but likely No. 1 selection Caleb Williams, and will have to trust their scouting chops when choosing between Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy.

"But are they prepared to ease their new signal-caller into the starting lineup? C.J. Stroud thrived in Houston as a rookie because the Texans made significant additions in the preceding offseason and paired him with an offensive coordinator who wasn’t afraid to scheme around the rookie's strengths. After a very busy offseason, is Washington properly equipped to do the same? Or is the franchise walking a high-value pick into a tough situation?"

Feb 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn (L) smiles as Commanders / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It is an interesting thought that has been brought up. The Commanders' offensive line gave up 65 sacks last season (second most in the league), but with Biadasz and Allegretti, is that enough to improve the protection?

Secondly, with an offense under Sam Howell that ranked 25th for points (19.4/g), the only notable addition has been Ekeler (veteran Ertz could be included), while Curtis Samuel left to join the Buffalo Bills.

In an offense that has Brian Robinson Jr, Ekeler, receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, along with tight ends Ertz and Logan Thomas, is enough weapons for a rookie quarterback?

After the No. 2 pick, Washington then has two second-round picks (36 & 40), so more firepower or offensive line help could be on the way. The Commanders then have three picks in the third round (67, 78 &100). With that draft haul, the franchise could add again do some good dealings.

Everything is shaping up nicely for the Commanders to hit the ground running in their first season under Dan Quinn. But their work isn't done, as the success of their young quarterback, much like Stroud with the Texans, is predicated on putting the right help around him.

Luckily, the Commanders have both the cap space and draft capital to do just that.