The Washington Commanders have endured plenty of transition and drama over the past few years. They have consistently changed quarterbacks, dealt with various front office scandals, and of course adopted the new Commanders nickname. And it appears as if stability will continue to be difficult to find at the QB position following a Commanders' recent NFL draft pick.

Washington selected QB Sam Howell out of UNC in the fifth round of the NFL Draft on. Howell was productive in college and some people believe he could be a sleeper draftee. However, Washington already acquired Carson Wentz this offseason and they still have Taylor Heinicke on the roster as well. Wentz still projects to be the starter but the selection of Howell has plenty of people wondering if he could surpass Wentz on the depth chart.

Here are 2 reasons why Sam Howell could become the Commanders' starting quarterback.

2 Reasons Sam Howell Can Snatch QB1 From Carson Wentz

Untapped Potential

Sam Howell has potential. He could end up providing tremendous fifth round value for the Commanders.

Howell's best seasons came in 2019 and 2020. The QB tallied at least 30 passing touchdowns in each of those seasons and threw just 7 interceptions in each of those years. Additionally, he totaled over 3,500 passing yards in 2019 and 2020.

But he did take a step back in 2021. Howell fired just 24 total touchdown passes and tossed 9 interceptions. He only threw for 3,056 passing yards as well. But much of his down season was a product of UNC losing their star running backs. Defenses were able to focus on protecting the pass which limited Howell.

Had Howell produced another strong campaign in 2021 there is a good chance he would have been drafted well before the fifth round. But the Commanders certainly will not mind taking a player with his potential in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.

Commanders' Carson Wentz's Struggles, Taylor Heinicke's Low Ceiling

Sam Howell was reportedly not drafted as competition for Carson Wentz. Instead, he is expected to compete for the backup job with Taylor Heinicke. But Carson Wentz might find himself on the hot seat if Howell displays his aforementioned untapped potential.

The Commanders would obviously not publicly declare a newly drafted QB as competition for their expected starting quarterback. But Wentz certainly does not have a firm grasp on the starting QB gig after his mediocre 2021 campaign with the Colts. And it was just two years ago that Wentz led the league in sacks and yards lost due to sacks as a member of the Eagles.

Howell's ceiling might be reason enough for the Commanders to move him past Heinicke and Wentz on the depth chart. I expect Carson Wentz to start the season as Washington's QB1. But don't be surprised if Howell ends up snagging the job away during the season.