NFL Mock Draft: Washington Commanders Replace Sam Howell?

Could the Washington Commanders target the Heisman Trophy favorite?

With the Washington Commanders creeping up the NFL Draft with each loss, could they target Sam Howell's replacement? 

In CBS Sports' mock draft, they had the Commanders (4-9) drafting the Heisman Trophy favorite, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, with the No. 4 overall pick. 

"I know that Sam Howell is the Commanders QB and that he's had a solid Year 2 while showing signs of real growth," CBS Sports writes. "But there's also a pretty good chance new ownership is looking for a new coach, and often new coaches like to have "their" quarterback too. No player improved more this fall than Daniels, whose game reminds me a lot of Lamar Jackson."

If Washington had a chance to draft a player comparable to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, it'd be tough for them not to pull the trigger. Daniels threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions. He was also a threat on the ground, running for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels 5 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023 :: SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

Howell has had ups and downs in his first season as the Commanders' starting quarterback. He's thrown for 3,466 yards, 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Howell has struggled as of late, throwing just one touchdown and five interceptions, including three pick-sixes. 

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The more Howell struggles down the stretch, the murkier his future becomes in Washington. It seems likely the Commanders will clean house after this season, which would leave no one with a connection to him. A chance to draft a franchise quarterback will make the job more attractive for a potential new head coach and general manager. 

Given Daniels' upside and Howell's struggles of late, it'd be tough for whoever is making the decisions come the 2024 NFL Draft for Washington to pass on the Heisman Trophy favorite.