Commanders news: Sam Howell, Chase Young, Austin Ekeler and mock draft
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Drake Maye in PFF mock
There is no doubt that the Washington Commanders will take a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Those in power laid their cards on the table by signing veteran backup Marcus Mariota in free agency and trading Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks. Now, the conversations rage about which signal-caller is the best choice.
Caleb Williams looks destined for the Chicago Bears at No. 1 despite Robert Griffin III's plea to pull an Eli Manning and join the Commanders instead. This leaves Adam Peters with either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels - although J.J. McCarthy is also gaining significant momentum during the pre-draft process.
Trevor Sikkema from Pro Football Focus had the Commanders taking Maye in his recent mock draft. It's a tentative selection based on speculation swirling around Daniels - who is now the favorite with sportsbooks. That said, the writer still believes the North Carolina prospect is the second-best quarterback emerging from the college ranks this year.
"The great QB2 debate rages on, and reports indicate plenty of teams are split between Maye, J.J. McCarthy and Jayden Daniels. Ultimately, Maye is the better quarterback prospect, so until I'm confidently convinced otherwise, he is the No. 2 pick."
- Trevor Sikkema, PFF
This is a decisive issue among the fanbase, to put it mildly. Peters and others in positions of power aren't going to please everyone with their pick. But the general manager is a shrewd talent evaluator, so there should be an element of confidence attached.