The Washington Commanders are a team that could surprise some people during the 2023 season. They did a good job this offseason of upgrading some of the weaknesses on the roster and look poised to at least challenge for a playoff spot.
Their biggest concern, again, remains the quarterback position. After moving on from Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke this offseason, the team has opted to turn to 2022 fifth-round pick, Sam Howell.
Howell started the 2022 season finale against the Dallas Cowboys and led his team to a victory. He must have shown enough in that game and practices to have the Commanders comfortable to consider him as their starter in 2023. Veteran Jacoby Brissett was signed this offseason and will have a chance to compete for the job, but Howell has the upper hand.
The best way to ensure that a young quarterback can improve is to surround him with as much talent as possible. The Commanders have a strong group of skill position players, led by wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel. Running backs Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. are a solid duo as well.
If Washington wants to keep upgrading, bringing in a complementary tight end would make a lot of sense. Brad Spielberger of PFF suggested they make a move at the position, with veteran Maxx Williams a potential target.
“There are a few young tight ends behind Logan Thomas who the Commanders are optimistic about, notably 2021 fourth-round pick John Bates — a stout run blocker — but adding another depth piece in Maxx Williams couldn’t hurt now that he’s recovered from an unfortunate ACL tear sustained at the worst possible time in 2021. Through Week 5 of 2021, Williams was earning a 77.6 receiving grade with 16 receptions, as many receptions as he’d had in a full season since 2015. Perhaps more importantly, Williams’ 81.0 run-blocking grade since 2015 is the top mark in the NFL over the span.”
Williams was a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. His opportunities have been limited because of injuries, but when given the chance, he has shown capable of being productive.
The best asset he brings to the table is his run-blocking. With a young quarterback potentially starting, the Commanders are likely going to lean heavily on their running game to take pressure off of him.
Williams will be helpful in that regard as an elite blocking tight end. He will provide new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy a chance to get creative with schemes and formations as Williams can be useful as a weapon in the passing game as well. Whenever he steps on the field, opposing teams will have trouble dissecting plays and guessing whether or not it will be a run or a pass.
