Commanders’ Dream Draft Day Scenarios

The Washington Commanders own the 2nd overall pick in this year’s NFL draft and are looking to draft the QB of the future. 

In addition to the 2nd pick, the Commanders have six picks in the top 100 of the draft. After adding 23 players through free agency, Washington will most likely look to take the best player available. This strategy is employed by teams that were either extremely active in free agency, or were very successful in the past season. Regardless, this draft will be pivotal not only for the upcoming season, but for the future of the franchise. 

Some believed Washington would trade back or pick one of the premier wide receivers, but after trading QB Sam Howell earlier this offseason, there’s no question that the Commanders are looking for their franchise QB. In most conversations, two names repeatedly pop up when the 2nd pick is in question: 21-year old UNC QB Drake Maye, and LSU’s Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. There are some whispers about National Champion JJ McCarthy, but this is most likely smokescreens, similar to Will Levis last year. 

These two options have divided the franchise, as both sides have valid critiques and concerns. With Jayden Daniels often scrambling, him being 23 is a concern for many fans and scouts alike, since he carries a higher injury risk, and a potentially lower NFL lifespan. Even though Daniels is two years older than Maye, he seems to be the more polished, NFL-ready prospect. He’s played tougher competition for a longer amount of time, albeit with better weapons. On the other hand, Maye shows massive potential to grow, while some have suggested that Daniels has plateaued at his current skill level. Maye has also not been surrounded with top tier talent, especially when compared to Daniels. Maye’s #1 wide receiver, Tez Walker, is only projected to be a 4th round pick (who only played 8 games this season). Daniels had weapons of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, who are both projected to be first round picks. Regardless, we’ve seen both of these situations work out in the NFL, whether it’s a QB from a smaller school or a SEC powerhouse. 

#2:

With the second overall pick, I believe the Commanders will select UNC QB Drake Maye. He holds the ideal size for a signal caller, standing in at 6’4 and weighing 230 pounds. Not only is he one of the youngest prospects, but he arguably has one of the highest ceilings as well. Having only started for 2 years and being this proficient, his ceiling and potential seem to be through the roof. Maye has also shown that he can be a dynamic player, continuously extending plays at UNC. While he may not go for 60 yard run touchdowns, he can scramble for a first down on 3rd and 10’s comfortably. Not to mention the fact that he may very well have the strongest arm in the entire class, Maye seems like the best pick to be the Commanders franchise quarterback. 

#36:

At pick 36, I predict the Commanders will take Jordan Morgan, a tackle out of Arizona. Washington bolstered their interior line through free agency, and this pick is the perfect spot to grab a starting caliber offensive tackle, with the ability to also shift and play on the inside. Washington will need someone to protect their QB from blindside hits, and Morgan can perfectly fill that role. 

#40:

After sorting their two biggest positions of need, the Commanders have a lot of flexibility at this pick. With that being said, I believe that they will fill another hole, selecting Tight End Ja’Tavion Sanders from Texas. Even though Washington signed veteran Zach Ertz, they need a resurgence of youth and talent at the TE position. Sanders offers this and more, being 21 years old and showing big play potential. 

#67:

At pick 67, I see the Commanders selecting Edge Marshawn Kneeland out of Western Michigan. This provides key depth and a potential starter situation for Kneeland, especially in a good scheme under new coach Dan Quinn. If he could be coached up anywhere close to the level of former Edge’s under Quinn, such as Micah Parsons or Vic Beasley, he could be a key addition for the team. 

#78 and 100:

For the final selections of the top 100, I foresee Washington taking two slot cornerbacks, in Khyree Jackson out of Oregon and Jarrian Jones out of Florida State. After losing Kendall Fuller in free agency, and hiring Joe Whitt Jr as the defensive coordinator, these two corners perfectly fit the scheme Whitt Jr and Quinn are building. Even if they don’t become superstars, they provide solid depth to a commonly injured and uncertain position for the Commanders.