The first three picks in April’s draft are for quarterback-needy clubs, thus many expect the Bears, Commanders, and Patriots to turn off trade offers and add a signal-caller at the top of the board. When asked about the team’s plans, Washington head coach Dan Quinn indicated that a rookie quarterback would likely be in place before the start of the 2024 season.
“I’d say it’s reasonable to expect us to take a quarterback,” Quinn said in an interview with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “I believe [general manager] Adam [Peters] would be more suited to answer the question of where it will take place. There will be a lot of debate in the next weeks, which is why we had a nice trip out to meet some guys; we’ll do that again in the coming weeks, but I’ve liked the process with Adam and going through it.
With nine picks in the draft (including six of the first 100), the Commanders will have numerous opportunity to make a long-term commitment beneath center. However, the No. 2 slot is the most likely place for this to occur. The Bears, now without Justin Fields, are expected to choose Caleb Williams first overall, leaving Peters, Quinn, and Co. to choose between LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
The former won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 after throwing for a career-high 40 touchdowns (with only four interceptions). Daniels added 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the run, but the former Arizona State transfer has been chastised for only having one season of exceptional performance. Because of his strong friendship with Antonio Pierce and the Raiders’ possible desire to add a first-round quarterback, Las Vegas may be willing to make a bold move up the draft board if the Commanders pass on him.
In that case, Washington would most certainly add Maye, who entered the 2023 season rated similarly to Williams in many assessments. However, since his second full season as the Tar Heels’ starter did not go as well as the first, Maye’s status may have dropped. The Patriots allegedly have worries about him, which would be pertinent if Williams and Daniels were selected first and second overall. After neither Daniels nor Maye threw at the Combine, individual visits with each will be critical for Commanders and teams in their area.
Trading out of the second spot is another option for the Commanders, who moved away Sam Howell shortly after acquiring experienced backup Marcus Mariota. As Quinn pointed out, while inquiries have begun, it would take a large offer from an interested team to persuade Washington to forego the opportunity to draft one of the best signal-callers available. Plenty remains to be determined in the coming weeks, but the Commanders should still make a quarterback selection.
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