Commanders news: Kliff Kingsbury, Kendall Fuller, Drake Maye and offseason keys
By Dean Jones
Commanders should draft Drake Maye
With speculation rising about the Chicago Bears taking Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders would be wise to turn their attention elsewhere. While bringing the hometown hero to his boyhood team would have been a fairytale, the NFL rarely works like that. Therefore, a contingency plan is needed.
Most analysts think this is a straight fight between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. There is a lot to like about both prospects and how they might fit into Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme. The pros and cons are there for all to see. But make no mistake, it's a decision the Commanders must get right.
There are plenty of assessment events upcoming, but NBC analyst Connor Rogers has seen enough. If Williams hears his name called first as expected, he believes the Commanders shouldn't hesitate in making Maye their franchise quarterback based on comments via Sports Illustrated.
"He's an excellent prospect. If I'm the Commanders and it goes Caleb Williams No. 1 overall, there's not even a conversation for me. I got Drake Maye No. 2. We've been waiting for this. I'm a really big fan. There's not much he can't do is my takeaway when watching him…I wouldn't answer the phone to move the pick."
- Connor Rogers via Sports Illustrated
Maye has the tools to be great. There are some flaws to work out, but the Commanders have a tremendous coaching staff in place with plenty of experience and proven credentials working with young signal-callers. The presence of Sam Howell - a close friend from their time together in North Carolina - should also help smooth the transition.