Commanders news: Adam Peters, Ben Johnson, Jonathan Allen and Drake Maye
By Dean Jones
Could the Commanders sit Drake Maye?
After an indifferent season overall from Sam Howell, all signs point to the Washington Commanders going with a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the dream of bringing Caleb Williams home is dependent on what the Chicago Bears decide from atop the draft, there are two other legitimate candidates worthy of consideration.
Mel Kiiper Jr. of ESPN recently tipped Jayden Daniels to be the choice in his first mock of the pre-draft process. Bucky Brooks from NFL.com went with Drake Maye, stating that the rookie could sit behind his close friend and another former North Carolina signal-caller currently on the Commanders' books until he's ready to assume responsibilities under center.
"The Commanders could take [Drake] Maye and sit him behind his former North Carolina teammate, Sam Howell, until he is ready to assume control as the franchise quarterback. Maye offers immense talent and potential, but with only two years of starting experience at UNC, he would benefit from an apprenticeship before taking over as QB1 down the road."
- Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
There is a level of impatience when picking quarterbacks with high-end draft picks these days. People want them to start right away whether they're ready or not. This comes with mixed success and is dependent on the scheme fit - for every C.J. Stroud, there is a Bryce Young in Year 1.
Sitting Maye could have some benefits. But it would be a huge shock if the Commanders didn't immediately start their chosen quarterback from the college ranks.