When the Washington Commanders finished with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft after Week 18, they immediately were favored to select a quarterback in April’s draft.
While Sam Howell did some nice things in 2023, he didn’t do anything to dissuade Washington’s new regime from selecting a franchise quarterback in 2024.
Fortunately, the Commanders and new GM Adam Peters will have multiple options. While USC quarterback Caleb William is widely expected to go No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears, Drake Maye (North Carolina) and Jayden Daniels (LSU) represent worthy selections at No. 2 overall. Maye has the size, accuracy, and arm strength the NFL covets, while Daniels has the height, arm strength, and playmaking ability to make him a top-five pick in the draft.
The early talk favored Maye as the 1b to Williams’ 1a. However, according to some, Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, has closed that gap. And, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Daniels has moved past Maye in the eyes of some around the NFL.
I know a lot of people are really high on Maye, the North Carolina redshirt sophomore, and believe he’d be worthy of the No. 1 pick in a lot of years (maybe even this one). But I’ve run into a few who think Daniels, the fifth-year senior out of LSU, will wind up being the better pro and have him ahead of Maye for now.
The “for now” part is important, because the process is just getting started. The college scouts and top execs have a good feel for these guys, but they haven’t had the chance to sit down and talk to them, which is more important at quarterback than any position. The coaches also haven’t had time to dive into the evaluation process, which will be crucial.
So, be patient, but I think Daniels has seriously closed in on Maye.
This is not surprising—too many discount Daniels for the first part of his career at Arizona State. However, once he transferred to LSU, Daniels’ career took off. He was excellent for the Tigers in 2022 and phenomenal in 2023. Daniels most resembles Lamar Jackson. Now, it’s a bit early to compare anyone to Jackson, but Daniels’ ability as a runner is elite.
It’s easy to overlook his passing ability because he’s such a good runner, but Daniels has a terrific arm and is the best deep-ball thrower in this draft.
As for Maye, he took a step backward in 2023 after looking like he’d give Williams competition for the top pick in 2022. It’s a bit like Howell’s final year at UNC, as both struggled when the Tar Heels lost multiple starters.
The NFL combine will be important for both players, not for testing reasons but for the interview process. As for the Commanders, it’s difficult to predict who they will choose until they hire as a head coach.
The Maye/Daniels debate is just beginning, and don’t be shocked if we see both passers mocked to Washington in mock drafts over the next few months.
