Commanders 3-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Smoke and mirrors edition

Commanders select J.J. McCarthy

• Quarterback | Michigan Wolverines
• Round No. 1 | No. 2 overall

We all expect Caleb Williams to be the No. 1 overall selection and become the Chicago Bears' new franchise player. The biggest question that remains is who the second quarterback off the board will be. For the last few months, there's been a debate around North Carolina’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels, with fans split down the middle.

However, there is a quarterback prospect who's seen his stock skyrocket in recent weeks to the point where he has entered the QB2 debate. That player is J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy is considered by many as either the third or fourth-ranked quarterback in this draft class. However, following his recent pro day and the buzz surrounding him in Orlando - including high praise from his former head coach Jim Harbaugh - would it come as a surprise if the former four-star high school recruit was the No. 2 overall pick?

For many Washington Commanders fans, it would. Though, this is the NFL Draft and there are almost zero guarantees on any prospect or where they may be drafted. 

McCarthy is a talented signal-caller in his own right. He offers a lean, athletic profile with a loose arm and out-of-structure playmaking ability. He has a lot more torque in his arm talent that would allow him to showcase the ability to attack all levels of the field. 

While he has work to do from a consistency and decision-making standpoint, there is still plenty to like with McCarthy. It's unlikely the former Michigan star will be taken No. 2, but the recent speculation means it cannot be overlooked entirely.