The start of organized team activities Monday will be a launching point for new Washington Commanders quarterbacks Carson Wentz, Sam Howell and Cole Kelley.
Wentz was obtained from the Indianapolis Colts this offseason for two third-round draft choices (one of which is conditional and could become a second-round 2023 choice).
Howell was drafted by Washington as the 144th overall selection from North Carolina. Kelley is an undrafted free agent giant of a man at 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds who played at Southeastern Louisiana.
The three OTAs scheduled by the Commanders are May 23-26, May 31-June 2 and June 6-8. Consequently, for the next three consecutive weeks, the only returning quarterback, Taylor Heinicke, will also be adapting to his new role of being the most knowledgeable quarterback of Scott Turner’s system and quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese’s philosophy and methodology.
Head coach Ron Rivera has been quite clear about his quarterback room for the upcoming season: Wentz is atop his list, followed by Heinicke and Howell as third. Kelley looks to get as many reps as possible, hoping to make the practice squad.
By the way, speaking of quarterback rankings, Pro Football Talk’s Chris Simms last week began unveiling his annual rankings of the top 40 NFL quarterbacks on his “Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast.” Two thoughts immediately came to mind: Will Carson Wentz be in the top 16? And upon starting 15 games last year, did Heinicke make Simms’ list?
Co-host Paul Burmeister surprised Simms by asking, “Who was the only undrafted QB to have more passing yards than Tyler Huntley last season?” Simms asked him to repeat the question and then responded correctly that it was Heinicke.
Burmeister then offered, “Heinicke hasn’t shown up yet.” (Simms had unveiled Nos. 40-36 of his list at the time). Simms countered, “No, and he won’t be. I’m just going to spoil it for you right now.” So there you have it: Heinicke did not make Chris Simms’ list of…
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