As the Chicago Bears eye USC’s Caleb Williams for the first overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, the spotlight shifts to the Washington Commanders and their crucial decision at No. 2. With the departure of Sam Howell earlier this offseason, the Washington Commanders, under the new guidance of GM Adam Peters, are poised to draft their next franchise quarterback. But the dilemma remains: should they opt for Jayden Daniels of LSU or Drake Maye from North Carolina?
A Tale of Two Prospects: Jayden Daniels vs. Drake Maye
Both Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye bring a wealth of talent and potential to the table, making the decision a challenging one for the Washington Commanders. Each candidate offers a distinct set of skills, with their pros and cons, making them worthy of the second overall pick.
The Dynamic Dual-Threat: Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels, following a remarkable transfer to LSU, has shown exponential growth both in terms of leadership and skill. In 2023, Daniels led the nation with a staggering 4,946 total offensive yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities by throwing for 40 touchdowns and rushing for 10 more. His dynamic playmaking ability is underscored by his 1,134 rushing yards, a testament to his agility and speed, which was the highest among quarterbacks last season.
“I’d be SHOCKED if Daniels isn’t the pick.”
-Mike Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) on who the Washington Commanders will pick at #2
Via @GMShuffle pic.twitter.com/pebbFMAqe1
— BrycenNFL 👑 (@BrycenNFL) April 16, 2024
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. praises Daniels, stating, “Daniels has rare ability as a dual-threat playmaker. He can evade, elude, and blow by defenders. His improvement as a passer has been impressive, and his big-time skill set was a huge benefit to his teammates at LSU.”
NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah also commends Daniels’ evolution, noting, “He is very poised and comfortable in the pocket, throws with anticipation, touch, and accuracy, and can manipulate safeties with his eyes to create separation downfield.”
The Prototypical Pocket Passer: Drake Maye
On the other hand, Drake Maye of North Carolina has made significant strides as a prototypical NFL quarterback. At 6-foot-4, Maye’s stature and arm strength fit the mold of an ideal NFL signal-caller. Despite his team’s limitations, Maye led the ACC in passing yards for two consecutive seasons and has made the most big-time throws among all FBS quarterbacks over the past two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.
Mel Kiper acknowledges Maye’s strengths: “He can make every throw with ease. He’s accurate on the move and knows when to vary pass speeds to facilitate his receivers.”
Daniel Jeremiah adds, “Maye’s size, athleticism, and arm strength are notable. He needs to polish some areas, but his potential is enormous, making him a compelling choice for teams looking for a quarterback who can evolve into a top-tier starter.”
Who Should the Washington Commanders Choose?
While Jayden Daniels might be poised to make a more immediate impact, Drake Maye presents a compelling case as a better long-term investment for the Washington Commanders. Maye’s skills, which align closely with the demands of the NFL, combined with his prototypical quarterback build, suggest he might have a higher ceiling once fully developed.
Choosing between Daniels’ electric playmaking and Maye’s prototypical prowess presents a classic quarterback conundrum. However, for a team looking to build a sustainable and long-lasting winning formula, like the Washington Commanders, Drake Maye could be the smarter choice. His ability to grow and adapt in the NFL, paired with his raw talent, could very well make him the cornerstone the Washington Commanders have been seeking.
Source: Yardbarker
