UKHTTC Roundtable on the Wentz Trade

For a third day in a row, UKHTTC are offering opinion and insight into the big Commanders move this off-season.

The acquisition of a talented big-arm QB to Washington was, in some quarters, hoped to be Russell Wilson. Perhaps the culture change in D.C has not quite reached the level to persuade the A-List guys, so instead, a trade was made with the Colts for Carson Wentz.

Three questions were posed:

How are you feeling 72 hours after the news?

How would you approach the draft re rounds 1&2 positions?

What lingering doubts or concerns do you have re this trade deal?

Offering opinion this Friday night are UKHTTC contributor, Simon Thurston, a warm welcome to the blog for Tre Cole (who fires up some quick takes from the USA), along with UKHTTC founder Christian Burt.

So, how are we feeling three days after the trade?

Simon: I actually feel we've acquired a decent QB with a strong arm and mobility.

Slight question mark over durability but hoping our good O-line play can keep him healthy.

I was quite measured about the news when it was announced Wednesday amid all the hysteria and over-reactions from many fans. Interestingly, a lot of them have changed their tune today!

Christian: agree wholeheartedly with Simon re the negative hysteria over this trade.

Those who over-reacted, I am going to suggest, were taken in by the discussion of Russell Wilson suiting up in burgundy & gold. This was never going to happen, so for Washington to at least avoid a game manager type QB, is a positive in my opinion.

The trade for Wentz is a clear upgrade on the big-hearted but limited Taylor Heinicke and those who have come before.

Have fans really forgotten the brain-numbing play & lack of preparation from Dwayne Haskins or the solid but dull play of game manager Alex Smith? Many were excited when we acquired Ryan Fitzpatrick last year yet seem in uproar about Wentz and that to me is baffling.

Carson is talented with a big arm and that is enough for me to at least give the man a chance before judging this move harshly.

Tre: Indifferent, but hopeful. Wentz is the best QB Washington has had in years.

How would you approach the draft re rounds 1&2 positions?

Simon: At first, I felt we should approach the draft in the same manner before the trade was announced, which was draft a QB. But I'm now leaning more towards getting the BPA or a receiving weapon (or two) for Wentz.

Furthermore, the draft class for QBs is better next year (it seems), and so if Wentz doesn't work out, we could potentially move one with no cap hit next year and draft a future franchise guy under centre.

Christian: This trade would not have happened if the talent evaluators truly rated the prospects of a couple of the QB rookies in the draft this year. To me, the Commanders have pretty much shut the door on the possibility of taking a rookie QB in round 1.

Now, it could be that Marty Hurney and Martin Mayhew do like a QB in the draft (a Carson Strong or Desmond Ridder), and, if still there when the Commanders pick in the second round, might be able to persuade Ron to pull the trigger.

For me, at pick 11, I would be looking seriously at the WR position, but wouldn’t rule out a backfield guy or an MLB. What is for certain is Rivera needs to hit on the first-round guy this season compared to 2021, as the performances of Jamin Davis were not that of a day one/round one starter in the NFL.

Tre: Best player available, but personally I would take a playmaker at WR from either of the Ohio State guys: Garrett Wilson or Chris Olave.

What lingering doubts or concerns do you have re this trade deal?

Simon: Unlike some, I don't have reservations on the price of the deal for Wentz, because QBs are expensive these days and especially quality ones and I do put him in that bracket.

The deal is also structured so that we can move on next season for no further investment, should it come to that. Whoever we brought in, we were always going to have to restructure others' contracts, so the FO are going to busy over the coming days as we prepare for free agency.

Christian: There are some undeniable pauses for thought when it comes to praising Carson Wentz too highly. The Colts have moved on extremely quickly, although I do not put Indianapolis high up on the list of well-run NFL franchises.

Although there have been reports to the contrary, with an Athletic article a much-cited piece the last few days, I still believe the Colts over-reacted to their terrible showing vs Jacksonville that ended their 2021 season.

Wentz was the fall guy for that loss, and in Washington, Carson might find that his risk-taking play will be better appreciated by the Riverboat style of Rivera.

It is not beyond the realms of possibility for the Commanders to chalk up ten wins in 2022 with Wentz under centre.

Tre: It was a move made out of desperation. I do get that part. Only doubts is whether Wentz will play to his potential and not show the bad habits we've seen the last few years