The Washington Commanders are rumoured to be ready to make their No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the choice by general manager Adam Peters might surprise some.
After trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth-round pick, the Chicago Bears are almost certain to choose his replacement, Caleb Williams, first overall. The Commanders also traded their starting quarterback from last year, Sam Howell, along with a fourth-round pick and sixth-rounder to the Seattle Seahawks for a third and fifth.
Even though they've signed veteran QB Marcus Mariota to a one-year contract in free agency, the Commanders seem set to select one of the top quarterback prospects in this year's draft. Possible choices include North Carolina's Drake Maye, LSU's Jayden Daniels and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy.
In the run-up to April's draft, experts have regularly predicted Maye and Daniels as top-five picks. However, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, it could be McCarthy who hears his name called first by the Commanders.
READ MORE: Kansas City Chiefs set to lose L'Jarius Sneed in blow to Super Bowl three-peat bid
READ MORE: Justin Fields traded to Pittsburgh Steelers as Chicago Bears make room for Caleb Williams
New England Patriots warned Mac Jones is "limited" as quarterback fined again
"It'll be really interesting because everybody's always trying to figure out, especially at the top of the draft, what the other teams are doing," said Pelissero.
"When I've had conversations here with executives for other teams who know Adam Peters well, who know the situation well, the most popular answer for what they do at No. 2 is J.J. McCarthy. So, a lot of drama still to come."
McCarthy is arguably the hardest quarterback to place a value on in the upcoming draft. The 21 year old boasts a 27-1 record as Michigan's starter and finished his collegiate career with a commanding 34-13 victory over Washington in the CFP National Championship.
J.J. McCarthy lost only one game as Michigan's starter (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)Los Angeles Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh - who coached McCarthy at Michigan - has routinely praised the former Wolverine, commending his former quarterback for an incredible pro day.
"I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft," Harbaugh said, per ESPN. "He's incredible. So, big market, small market. Cold weather, hot weather, it won't matter."
"That was the best throwing day I've ever seen. Like I predicted, once they were around him, I was hearing the stories about how he is on the board, how he is on the field, the little things, the intangibles. I mean, it was absolutely no surprise whatsoever. But yeah, there was raving, and it was great to hear and incredible to hear."
Like any prospect, however, McCarthy comes with major questions. Michigan's offense hardly ever ran through him, often leaning upon a strong run game instead.
In 2023, McCarthy played in 15 games and threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. However, his total pass attempts of 332 was much lower than Maye's season total of 425, even though he started three more games.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
