NFL Draft: 5 teams in clear need of a quarterback in 2019

No. 1: Washington Redskins

Current Starter: Alex Smith, Colt McCoy

We’re now at the group of teams who could be looking at quarterbacks in the 2019 NFL Draft. The New England Patriots may finally land their replacement for future Hall of Famer Tom Brady. Same goes, possibly, for the Los Angeles Chargers and Philip Rivers or the Cincinnati Bengals and Andy Dalton.

Instead, let’s look at a team more likely to grab a signal-caller out of necessity than anything else, the Washington Redskins.

A week ago, this wouldn’t have been an issue. But after losing veteran QB Alex Smith to a gruesome, season-ending leg injury, the Redskins may be forced into finding a long-term replacement much sooner than they ever had anticipated.

The Washington Post reported Smith’s recovery time could be between six to eight months, which means he possibly could be back in time for training camp 2019.

Possibly.

At 34 years old, though, the lingering effects of Smith’s recovery may wind up impeding his ability to pick up where he left off whenever he gets back onto the field next season. This isn’t suggesting medical advice or rationale, it’s just the reality of the situation — players seriously hurt late in the year often struggle early after having spent an offseason in recovery instead of preparation.

Look no further than the Philadelphia Eagles’ Carson Wentz taking time to get back on the field this year, or the Oakland Raiders’ Derek Carr after returning from his 2016 broken leg.

Regardless, Smith’s injury might easily expedite Washington’s desire to find a younger option to groom under center.