Speculation surrounding the destination of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft has reached a fever pitch.
While most people expect the Chicago Bears to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, the order of the rest has been a hot topic of debate.
Drake Maye is seen as a freak-combo of Justin Herbert and Josh Allen. Meanwhile J.J. McCarthy’s stock is sky-rocketing and there are reports that he could go as high as second overall.
The Commanders are saying they want to draft JJ McCarthy #2 overall
God save Washington 😭 pic.twitter.com/H1ivcGRPqQ— Bench Warmer Banter (@bwb_sports) March 25, 2024
Needless to say, the drama is building.
However, LSU head coach Brian Kelly may have accidentally leaked who exactly will be the second overall pick.
Speaking at the Tigers Pro Day, Kelly may have had let on a little more than he planned to when he was speaking about his (former) quarterback Jayden Daniels…
“He is going to be so committed to taking care of himself that you’re not going to have to worry about size or he doesn’t weigh enough,” Kelly assured. “Lamar [Jackson]’s done a pretty good job with his size. I think [Patrick] Mahomes, I wouldn’t consider him a giant. Cause he’s going to get the ball out to the playmakers and make plays for Washington.”
LSU coach Brian Kelly on Jayden Daniels.
“For Washington.” #Commanders #HTTC pic.twitter.com/aQxgVlO72F
— COMMANDERS NATION (@CommandersFB1) March 28, 2024
“FOR WASHINGTON!!!”
Of course, Kelly wants Daniels to be drafted as high as possible. The higher he goes, the better it looks for Kelly and LSU’s program.
So, in one way his “for Washington” comment may have been wishful thinking. However, many people feel he has a little inside information and either willing shared it or did so by accident.
Jayden Daniels is going to be a Commander. He’s dapping up Adam Peters it’s a lock 🔒 @Commanders
— DLacks21 (@Cheddarbob804) March 27, 2024
There’s no denying that Washington head coach Dan Quinn and the entire Commanders brass is very high on the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.
Dan Quinn loves Jayden Daniels. pic.twitter.com/AbMk39z4w8
— Tek (@CookedByTek) March 27, 2024
Despite Kelly’s apparent “suggestion,” Quinn remained tight-lipped about the Commanders draft plans.
Their certainly expected to draft a quarterback.
McCarthy would be a shock, but will Maye end up winning them over? Is there ANY chance Williams drops to them? Or will they indeed go with Daniels???
Dan Quinn and Adam Peters smiling and padding each other on the back at Jayden Daniels Pro Day because they found their future quarterback. pic.twitter.com/sT7o7BftU2
— dsneedy (@dsneedy2) March 27, 2024
With this being the best quarterback draft class in several years, Washington is in great position to draft a potential franchise quarterback.
As we know, at least one of these top guys will end up being a bust … But who will it be???
Dan Quinn and Adam Peters were loving what they seen from Drake Maye. pic.twitter.com/vBwOapgUDk
— Zac (@DCzWall) March 28, 2024
“More than anything, it’s the ability from the neck up. [With] evaluation of the quarterback, there’s so much that goes into it: making decisions and putting the ball in the right spot, the accuracy, the toughness,” Quinn said regarding his evaluation process when it comes to quarterbacks.
“So, all of those things, really. It’s not specific or cookie cutter for us. I think that’s probably changed the last 20 years, hasn’t it, from where we were in the NFL? And that’s happened more through college. There are more athletic players. We’re in shotgun more than we ever have been. There’s quarterback design runs.”
Commanders HC Dan Quinn was asked about QB size and durability. What does he look for and does he worry about LSU's Jayden Daniels?
"It's not one size fits all, but I think there are some measurables that you do want to find," DQ said.
Full 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/VRjfWbks4N
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) March 27, 2024
“So, it’s one of the cool parts about our game that it never just stays the same. It’s always evolving. It’s different from when I first came into the NFL in 2001 to what it is today. And in another 20-25 years, it will be different when we’re having breakfast here. In 25 years, we’ll say, man, that’s different too,” he concluded.
It’s crazy because even after both Jayden Daniels & Drake Maye’s Pro Days, it seems like both had great days and left great impressions on #Commanders GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn.
Hard to tell who’s their favorite out of the two… pic.twitter.com/oKURXmJpbC
— brandon (@DrakeMayeMVP) March 29, 2024
What are your thoughts?
Do you think Kelly leaked the Commanders plans? … Or was his “for Washington” comment just wishful thinking?
Will the Commanders indeed take Daniels second overall?
How do you rank the top quarterbacks in the draft???
Despite reports saying the #Commanders like JJ McCarthy, we are told the Washington Commanders are thrilled with Drake Maye.
Dan Quinn sees Maye as a young Matt Ryan. Lock it in. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/MHsdRtWJ0E
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) March 26, 2024