Why Didn’t Sam Hartman Get Drafted? Here’s Where the Quarterback Is Set To Compete for Roster Spot

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Sam Hartman (10) exhorts the crowd in the fourth quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium.

Quarterback Sam Hartman is hoping to parlay a productive six-year stint in college football into a successful NFL career.

With the 2024 NFL Draft now in the rearview, we take a look at Hartman’s potential after the former college standout went undrafted.

Where Did Sam Hartman Sign After the 2024 NFL Draft?

Seven rounds and 257 selections came and went without Hartman hearing his name called. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t be getting his shot in the NFL. Following the completion of the NFL Draft, he signed with the Washington Commanders, with a reported $20,000 signing bonus and $225,000 guaranteed in salary.

Now that Hartman has an NFL home, the rest is up to him and his ability to show the coaching staff he is worthy of keeping around this season and for the long haul.

What Does the Commanders’ QB Depth Chart Look Like With Hartman?

It’s clear who the QB of the future is in Washington. The Commanders used the No. 2 overall pick on LSU QB Jayden Daniels, and with that, the keys to the franchise have officially been turned over.

However, from there, it is a bit less concrete, which leaves a sliver of hope for Hartman to come in and make an impact with the team that could be lasting.

Presumably, the backup position looks sewn up at this time with the Commanders signing veteran QB Marcus Mariota in free agency. With the team integrating a rookie QB into the mix, having that veteran presence in the building could be used as a crutch or a bridge to the new era, even if it is just for the offseason program and an early training camp.

From there, though, the presence of Jeff Driskel and Jake Fromm on the Commanders’ depth chart should excite Hartman. Neither is overly impressive competition, and if given a fair shake to supplant either one, Hartman could find his way into a real fight for the QB3 job heading into the season.

SEE MORE: NFL UDFA Tracker 2024

Driskell is a journeyman QB who has struggled to stick with one franchise during his career as he has bounced around the league a bit. Fromm, meanwhile, has had next to no impact in the NFL since being a college football national champion.

The benefit of being an undrafted free agent is you get to pick your destination. With the competition in front of him, it’s clear why Hartman chose to be in Washington, as it may provide him the best chance of sticking with a team.

Hartman’s NFL Draft Scouting Report

While Hartman’s limitations as an NFL Draft prospect were obvious, it was still a bit surprising to see him go undrafted.

According to Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, “Hartman does have coveted qualities as a potential backup. He’s mobile enough, with enough athleticism and arm elasticity to operate off-platform. He’s incredibly poised in the pocket, with the steely resolve to stand tall amid pressure.

“He processes and navigates fairly well, has some functional discretion as a decision-maker, and has a degree of accuracy and situational precision when he’s mechanically sound. And his competitive toughness in all phases serves as a bonus.”

KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Sam Hartman

By all indications, Hartman is a project at the NFL level. However, with his moldable traits, and an advantageous situation in Washington, Hartman could find himself on an active roster for the 2024 season.