Potential Commanders pick adopts all-business approach to difficult scenario

Drake Maye plans to adopt an all-business approach if he becomes the Washington Commanders' pick at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

One doesn't have to look far around the media to see the link between Drake Maye and the Washington Commanders. They have the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft and are in desperate need of a long-term option under center. With Caleb Williams projected to be the first prospect taken, the North Carolina gunslinger might not be a bad consolation prize.

Adam Peters stated during his media availability at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Commanders are still early in their assessment process. Nothing is off the table, including moving forward with Sam Howell and seeing what the incumbent starter can do with a more productive supporting cast in 2024.

Drake Maye would be all-business as Commanders QB

Of course, the two quarterbacks are closely linked. The pair developed a strong relationship during their time together on the Tar Heels. While it might be a little awkward if the incoming college hopeful ends up taking Howell's job, Maye is keen to take an all-business approach if the Commanders went in this direction based on comments via USA Today Sports.

"One of my best friends. Sam [Howell] has had a big impact on me learning going in there; my freshman year at North Carolina, being his last year, had such great success, seeing how he prepared and how seriously he took it. It’s one of those things where it’s not ideal, but at the same time, it’s part of a business. We’ve done it in college together; the best thing about it is we’ll help each other, and whether the scenario goes, he’s one of my best friends; gonna be no hard feelings, it’s part of it. Being in there as two NFL quarterbacks, be in the same room…..there’s a lot bigger problems in the world than that."

- Drake Maye via USA Today Sports

This is the right mentality to have. Personal relationships shouldn't come in the way of professional growth. Maye's worked his entire life for this opportunity. If the one final hurdle is dethroning his good friend for a chance to lead a storied franchise back to prominence, so be it.

Howell isn't wet behind the ears. He knows what might be coming. He should also be mature enough to handle the situation no matter how aggrieved the former fifth-round pick might feel about the mitigating circumstances attached to his rollercoaster first campaign under center.

Having two quarterbacks who already know each other extremely well can be a good and bad thing. While it would help Maye's transition to the Commanders, it would immediately increase scrutiny and perhaps pile on additional pressure with his close ally waiting in the wings.

There's been speculation linking Howell with a move away if the Commanders end up taking a signal-caller at No. 2 overall. Ralph Vacchiano from FOX Sports revealed that sources believe interest would be relatively high if Peters began taking calls. Whether this is true or not remains to be seen, but it adds another fascinating dynamic to this complex equation.

The Commanders will get the chance to find out more about Maye and other prospects of interest at the NFL Scouting Combine. Pro days and individual visits will follow. Of course, the Chicago Bears hope to clarify Justin Fields' future before free agency. This will have a huge domino effect at the draft's highest point.

Maye looks to have the intangibles normally associated with productive modern-day quarterbacks despite a down year in 2023. Taking Howell's place wouldn't be his first choice in an ideal world, but he'll grasp the opportunity with both hands regardless.