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The Washington Commanders have the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after finishing the previous season with a 4-13 record. They will have a fresh start under new majority owner Josh Harris, hiring Dan Quinn as coach, replacing Ron Rivera.
Former Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury will take over as offensive coordinator. Conversely, Joe Whitt Jr. will be their defensive coordinator after Rivera and Jack Del Rio, who got fired after a 2023 Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Together with new general manager Adam Peters, their first order of business will be to determine who they select at two. The Chicago Bears have the number one pick, and there’s a consensus among mock drafters that they will choose former USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
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If that’s the case, the Commanders have several options for their first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. They could draft an edge rusher, a cornerback or an offensive lineman at that spot. However, choosing a quarterback is also on the table, even if they have Sam Howell.
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After Williams, there are other quarterback prospects on the board, with Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels being two of the more prominent names in the class. If they are still available, which rookie could help Washington more?
Drake Maye vs Jayden Daniels: Which QB is better for Commanders?
The Commanders are in a great situation leading into the 2024 NFL Draft. Aside from getting an early draft pick, they have the biggest cap space, helping them sign some talented players at positions that sorely need to improve.
However, it’s uncertain if they can solve their offensive line woes in one offseason. Howell absorbed 65 sacks in 17 games last season, the worst rate in the league. If that problem persists, they could keep opposing rushers honest by drafting Jayden Daniels in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Drake Maye is a tremendous talent who could help an NFL franchise if he can translate his game to the pros. But Daniels fits Washington’s personnel better, especially with wide receivers like Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin on board.
When the pocket collapses, Daniels would be a more explosive threat than Maye in chasing first downs. Therefore, the Commanders are better off with the former LSU standout as they usher in a new era.
Drake Maye draft profile
In two seasons as North Carolina’s starting quarterback, Maye proved why he was a five-star recruit coming out of high school. In his final season with the Tar Heels, he had solid numbers of 269 completions for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
However, that’s not even the best year of this esteemed 2024 NFL Draft prospect. Maye finished his redshirt freshman season with 342 completions for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He completed his college football career with a solid 64.75 completion percentage.
Even though football scouts and experts praise Drake Maye’s arm strength, his mobility makes him difficult to contain or pin down. He had 16 rushing touchdowns and 1,209 rushing yards in two seasons at North Carolina.
Aside from his rocket arm, impressive accuracy, and fluid mobility, Maye’s pocket awareness and quick assessment of his progressions make him a highly graded 2024 NFL Draft prospect. He’s not only adept in making plays under pressure but can also zip balls through narrow throwing windows.
For all his attributes, Drake Maye struggled when the defense altered his pre-snap read. Even if things aren’t going their way, his penchant for saving plays can turn into sacks or interceptions.
Jayden Daniels draft profile
The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner showed brilliance at quarterback during his first year with Arizona State, finishing with 205 completions for 2,943 yards and 17 touchdowns. He rediscovered his game when he transferred to LSU after his junior year.
During his Heisman-winning season, Daniels completed 236 passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. He also completed 70.4 of his throws in two seasons with the Tigers. But apart from his accuracy, the 2024 NFL Draft prospect is also a legitimate threat in the ground game.
When he’s not throwing darts at his teammates, he keeps the chains moving with his feet, as proven by his 1,134 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He did well the season before, with 885 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Apart from his impeccable speed and command of the pocket, Daniels is exceptional in making long throws accurately. Give him a gap in the line of scrimmage, and he can turn it into a significant gain by keeping the ball to himself.
While his deep-ball accuracy is beyond question, his timing and consistency with intermediate and short passes have room for improvement. Bulking up can also prevent injuries he could get from vicious tackles.
