Stars are aligning for Dan Quinn to make seismic trade in 2024 NFL Draft

As expected, Dan Quinn has already plucked Dallas Cowboys assistants to join his coaching staff in Washington. On Sunday, Quinn hired the highly respected Joe Whitt Jr. to be his defensive coordinator. More hijackings could follow, as Al Harris is on the record saying he'd follow Quinn wherever he goes.

In the meantime, Quinn has formed a robust staff. Before the Whitt hiring, the Commanders stole Kliff Kingsbury away from the Raiders. Kingsbury appeared head to Las Vegas, but talks broke down and he's now Quinn's offensive coordinator.

This hire could have colossal implications on the 2024 NFL Draft. Slated with the No. 2 pick, Washington is primed to select a quarterback.

North Carolina's Drake Maye is widely projected to go second to Washington, assuming the Bears select USC wunderkind Caleb Williams. However, Kingsbury's history with Williams on the Trojans has triggered speculation that the Commanders will trade up to No. 1 overall to take Williams.

In other words, Quinn could help orchestrate an earth-shattering trade.

Ex-Cowboys DC Dan Quinn could trade for Caleb Williams after Kliff Kingsbury hire

The stars are indeed aligning, folks.

Kingsbury spent last season as a senior offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach at USC. Williams' Heisman Trophy campaign flamed out after the Trojans' poor end to the season, but Kingsbury helped guide Williams to another representative season.

The young QB threw for 3,633 yards and 33 touchdowns to five interceptions. His ability to extend plays outside the pocket and make off-script throws have been likened to Patrick Mahomes, so it's no secret why he's the presumptive favorite to go No. 1 overall.

Beyond that is the fact Williams was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He was a star quarterback at Gonzaga High School in the nation's capital and let the program to a WCAC Championship. His achievements include being named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year and All-Metropolitan first team.

See the connection? Williams even stoked the speculation by giving Kingsbury a shoutout on Instagram after the news was announced.

That's certainly noteworthy. There have even bee whispers that Williams doesn't want to play in Chicago. Whether they're true or not, the Commanders are well within striking distance of the top overall pick. It will still cost a lot to land the rights to a superstar prospect, but it's an appealing idea from the Bears perspective as well.

Think about it. They already have two top 10 picks this year. Trading out of the top spot would net them at least one more first-round pick in 2025. They can still draft Drake May second and take a receiver to pair with D.J. Moore at No. 9 overall. That doesn't even account for the draft compensation they'd get in a potential Justin Fields trade.

It's a rare win-win for both parties. For Dan Quinn, though, it's the clearest path to having instant success in Washington. The former Cowboys DC is now in the driver's seat to make a trade that can have monstrous ramifications on the landscape of the NFC.

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