Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ivan Lambert

What six quarterbacks said about meeting the Commanders at the NFL combine

The Commanders met with six rookie quarterbacks at this week’s NFL Scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Adam Schefter raised fears of Commanders’ fans through his carefully worded tweet, informing his readers that owner Josh Harris was participating in those interviews.

However, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post pointed out that interestingly enough, none of the six quarterbacks supposedly interviewed by Harris, even mentioned Harris in their post interview statements with the media.

What did the six quarterbacks actually express to the media following their interviews?

QB Caleb Williams, USC

Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams (QB14) talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

“It’d be really cool to be back there and experience that,” Williams said. “The meeting [with the Commanders] went really well, and everybody was in the room. So being around everybody … [I got] a taste of how they are, who they are, because everything is new there.”

QB Drake Maye, UNC

North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10). Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

“There’s a lot bigger problems out there in the world than being with one of your best friends (Sam Howell) in the quarterback room,” he said. “It’s not awkward for us; it’s just business.”

QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State quarterback Jayden Daniels. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

“With them (Commanders), it was how cool the whole staff was, obviously Dan Quinn, Kliff Kingsbury, all those types of guys. Just to be able to sit in there and getting to know people. You know see them on TV everybody coaching. Just being able to see them behind the scenes, have a conversation with them, that’s the coolest part for me.”

QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws a pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first quarter of the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

“So I was super nervous, I’m not going to lie. “Sweating a little bit. Coach Quinn was just awesome. I got to talk to Mr. Peters right before the meeting. Just a great vibe.”

QB Michael Penix, Washington

Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

“I felt confident in all of my meetings. I felt confident walking into it and walking away. I was super excited to meet with every team I was able to meet with. The Washington Commanders, it was a good meeting.”

QB Bo Nix, Oregon

Oregon quarterback Bo Nix.

“I know it is really going to be a fun challenge; I know it is going to be different. But just like any other level you get to, once you figure it out, you can get familiar with it, find your strengths within it. But I definitely think one of the challenges will be not over-processing, not thinking too fast. Playing what you see, getting the ball where it is supposed to go.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.