It's a big week for the Washington Commanders. Those in power will welcome the top three quarterback candidates in contention to be the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, and Drake Maye will sit down with those in power during their respective visits in the coming days, which is the final piece of the puzzle before the time comes to make a final decision about what will hopefully be the team's next franchise signal-caller.
Adam Peters and his staff might have a preferred candidate, but these meetings will be a chance to find out more about them away from the gridiron, what makes them tick and their inner desire to become one of the league's best. This is something the new general manager values highly and will factor into his thought process.
For fans, expectations are high and the speculation is rampant with very few clues emanating from the organization. While we wait for further developments, the stories causing conversation include Efe Obada's desire, Daniels getting a lofty comparison, how Marcus Mariota can help Washington's new signal-caller and former head coach Jay Gruden advising about which way the Commanders should go at No. 2 overall.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Efe Obada's mindset
The Washington Commanders didn't bring many of their free agents back as part of Adam Peters' vast rebuild. Efe Obada was one of them despite his 2023 campaign being cruelly cut short by injury.
Obada revealed via the team's website that he didn't want to play for anyone other than Dan Quinn, one of two coaches who reached out to him after he went to injured reserve with a serious leg complication. It was a small gesture, but one that meant a great deal to the versatile defensive lineman.
"He messaged me that I was a warrior and that I would get back. And that meant so much to me. It's a testament to the kind of guy that he is because he cares about someone eight years later. He didn't need to text me, and he did. I'm sure there's so many other guys, so many other players, coaches that have amazing testimony to the character of Coach Dan Quinn and how much he cares and how much he goes above and beyond. He [Quinn] is one of the only coaches I want to go to war for."
The Nigerian-born player will continue rehabilitation in the hope of making his presence felt on the rotation next season. The Commanders brought in several veterans to boost standards and raise competition, so the task awaiting Obada is difficult. That said, Quinn believes in him, which is a solid foundation to build upon.
Jay Gruden on Commanders' QB choice
Everyone has an opinion about which direction the Washington Commanders should go at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The discourse has become tiresome for most fans, who want the process over with and a new signal-caller to support that has genuine franchise-changing capabilities.
The latest to nail their flag to the mast was Jay Gruden. If the former Washington head coach was part of the decision-making process, he'd be banging the table hard for LSU stud Jayden Daniels based on comments via USA Today Sports.
“I like Jayden [Daniels]. Personally, I just think that he has an elite trait, the speed, and I think he’s gotten better as a passer the last five years from Arizona State to LSU.
“Obviously, he had some better players around him at LSU, but his completion percentage has gone up, and I’ve been impressed (with) the way he stays in the pocket and, when he gets to a second or third progression, throws it accurately. He doesn’t have a natural gifted arm, but he has athletic traits that are very good and he does have a strong enough arm to get the ball to the right people. And, I see him do some good things inside the pocket and outside the pocket. The biggest concern you have on him is his ability to stay healthy, because for him to be a special player in the NFL, he’s got to utilize his legs and be able to take some hits.”
Nothing has been confirmed one way or another. However, momentum is everything at this time of year. This is something Daniels has more than most despite interest remaining in the likes of Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy.
Daniels would be a significant addition to the Commanders and is riding on the crest of a wave following his Heisman Trophy campaign. He boasts electrifying traits that cannot be taught, with the only potential red flag coming from his slender frame and whether his playing style can withstand punishment at the next level.
It's a guessing game, but Gruden is the latest in a long line of respected figures who think Daniels will be the pick.
Marcus Mariota's role
While rumors and speculation are rife about the Washington Commanders' choice at No. 2 overall, it's also worth remembering how well those in power have set things up for their rookie. Dan Quinn and his coaching staff look more than capable of smoothing the transition. There are some playmakers with the promise of more on the way. Adam Peters also shook up the quarterback room in readiness for the new arrival.
Peters removed any awkwardness by trading Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks. He also signed veteran backup Marcus Mariota, who Daniel Flick from Fan Nation believes has an integral role to play whether he's on the field or not.
"Perhaps the most underrated aspect of this path is the backup quarterback, who can serve as a mentor and sounding board with a more interpersonal level than a coach may provide. For the Commanders, that means weight falls on the shoulders of Marcus Mariota, who was the No. 2 overall pick in 2015 but has spent much of the past four years as a backup. Around Atlanta's facilities, Mariota was viewed as a quality teammate and even better leader - Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier even noted his value to Ridder when speaking during OTAs last offseason.
"And so, as the Commanders look to enter a new era under center, Mariota's value is apparent. He has a unique perspective as a former top pick with a city's expectations on his right arm, yet also extensive experience teaching young passers."
Every first-year quarterback needs a stable presence alongside him to offer advice and guidance. Mariota - a former No. 2 overall selection himself - knows the pressures that Washington's pick will be going through. This is essential during times of struggle, which are going to occur at some stage during the campaign.
If the choice is Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy, the Commanders could start Mariota over the first few weeks. So having him around comes with several benefits attached.
Jayden Daniels' lofty comparison
As previously mentioned, Jayden Daniels is the hot name to become the Washington Commanders' next franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall. The LSU prospect is a game-changing presence under center with plenty of college experience. Some argue that Drake Maye has more long-term upside, but Adam Peters cannot go wrong with either once Caleb Williams goes to the Chicago Bears.
Former NFL head coach Herm Edwards discussed Daniels' credentials in greater detail when speaking to News7 D.C. recently. He highlighted the player's positives, even comparing the incoming college recruit to Randall Cunningham based on comments via Fan Nation.
"He's very motivated. He's constantly searching for knowledge. He played 56 college games [and] that's a lot of experience for a quarterback coming out of college. He understands the temperature in the room when he's supposed to lead. Jayden [Daniels] is good with the players. He will be good in the huddle.
"He's more like Randall Cunningham and that's good. Similar traits, same height, same attributes [and] very good throwing the long ball down the field."
If the Commanders go with Daniels and he ends up having the sort of career Cunningham put together, nobody will be complaining too much. Washington has to work on a plan to ensure he avoids unnecessary hits given his frame, but improvements made to the offensive line should also help immediately.
This should be easily eradicated and the Commanders have two accomplished coaches - Kliff Kingsbury and Tavita Pritchard - steering him in the right direction. Aside from that, there aren't many flaws in Daniels' game. He's also renowned for his locker room leadership and ability to make everyone around him better.
Daniels won't be on the board long if the Commanders decide on someone like Maye or J.J. McCarthy. He's a lock for the top five and comes into the league as a Day 1 starter with exceptional promise. It's been a long time since Washington had someone like that manning the plate.