3 primary observations from Commanders GM Adam Peters' combine presser
By Dean Jones
Adam Peters on QB strategy
Adam Peters has plenty of experience when it comes to assisting in the process of selecting quarterbacks from the college ranks. Two opposite sides of the spectrum came during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers. One reaped significant rewards. The other was a major gamble that failed to pay off.
Peters was part of the brain trust that decided to move up for Trey Lance despite his lack of college experience. A serious injury derailed him early and he was unable to force his way back into the team's plans. The North Dakota State product was subsequently traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
This was thanks in no small part to the Niners spending the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft on Brock Purdy. Mr. Irrelevant turned into a productive starter and a tremendous scheme fit in Kyle Shanahan's system. These are two tales on how things can unfold with prospects, but it's something Peters believes can help in finding the Washington Commanders their franchise signal-caller of the future based on comments via Sports Illustrated.
"His [Brock Purdy] tape was what really turned us on and then you meet the person. This is only a little part of the process but his tape that he (had) at Iowa State and how well he plays, how well he played the position, we really thought that he could fit in well with our scheme...we liked him that much, now I gotta find a new quarterback. The two biggest things - everybody says it - it's the medical portion, which I'm not a part of that I just see all of the results, and then the interviews. We're going to interview a lot of quarterbacks as well as a lot of other players here. So that's really the first touch point that we'll have with these guys. I haven't met any of them in person, and I'm really excited to meet them. That's just the beginning of the process in terms of that. It's a huge part of really any position is getting to know the person."
- Adam Peters via Sports Illustrated
The Commanders have the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, so Peters wouldn't need to make a drastic trade-up in the hope of securing his preferred target. His talent evaluation techniques are renowned and respected, which provides a level of confidence. He's also looking for the right person to go along with the talent. That always helps.