AFC scout makes surprising Commanders NFL Draft prediction

Not everybody is convinced that the Washington Commanders will or should select either LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels or Michigan Wolverines signal-caller J.J. McCarthy with the second pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

For a mock draft produced by ESPN analyst Matt Miller that was published on Wednesday, one anonymous AFC national scout predicted that Washington will take North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye over both Daniels and McCarthy via the draft's second choice. It's assumed the Chicago Bears have already decided to make USC Trojans star Caleb Williams the No. 1 pick. 

"Maye has more upside," that scout told Miller. "I question Daniels' ability to play in condensed spaces."

While individuals such as ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. and FS1 personality Colin Cowherd have repeatedly linked Washington with Daniels, others have insisted that McCarthy is a realistic option for the Commanders at No. 2. At least one report claimed that McCarthy "may be QB1 for both" Washington and the New England Patriots. The Patriots hold the draft's third pick. 

Numerous analysts have warned that Maye is a project who must address issues regarding his footwork and who should sit throughout much, if not all, of his rookie season. The Commanders currently have veteran Marcus Mariota atop their depth chart, but it's unclear if Washington would have Maye compete for the starting job this summer. 

"Another consideration for the scout making the pick? Maye's ability to make throws with pressure in his face and absorb the impact of free pass-rushers in the North Carolina passing game," Miller explained. "He threw 10 touchdown passes (tied for seventh in the nation) when pressured in 2023. Maye (6-foot-4, 223 pounds) is often compared to (Los Angeles Chargers starter) Justin Herbert, and his vertical passing ability would no doubt fit well with wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson in Washington."

As of early Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Daniels as the betting favorite at -290 odds to be the second pick of the draft. DraftKings had Maye second on the list at +220 odds, followed by McCarthy at +750. 

Earlier this week, Miller ranked Daniels as the fifth-best prospect of the 2024 draft class. Miller had Maye at No. 9 on his board.