Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Missing pieces edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Drake Maye
- Quarterback | North Carolina Tar Heels
- No. 2 overall
Nobody has the first clue what the Washington Commanders have planned aside from taking a quarterback. This became almost guaranteed once they signed veteran backup Marcus Mariota in free agency and traded Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks. Now, for the hard part.
Adam Peters will be fully aware of how pivotal this choice is. The Commanders have been crying out for a genuine franchise-caliber presence under center. They won't get a better chance to make this goal a reality with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Hitting on the pick is critical.
This is Peters' first offseason as general manager. This is also the most important decision he'll ever make. If Caleb Williams goes No. 1 to the Chicago Bears as expected, it seems between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels unless J.J. McCarthy wows those in power during their upcoming meeting.
It's a divisive topic and Daniels is the current frontrunner with sportsbooks. However, a chance is taken on Maye's upside, which is arguably higher than any signal-caller emerging from the college ranks this year.
Maye is far from the finished product, but the ceiling is incredibly high. The Commanders also have an exceptional coaching staff in place to improve the player's footwork and ability to go through progressions more effectively. If that means sitting him for the first few weeks, so be it.
Nobody should moan too much if Daniels is the pick. It's okay to like both, just don't expect Peters to show his hand given the way Washington has conducted business so far under his leadership.