Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye are the most popular quarterbacks projected to be taken second overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL draft, but general manager Adam Peters may favor J.J. McCarthy.
That was the talk at the NFL’s annual owners meeting, when NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported, “Everybody’s always trying to figure out, especially at the top of the draft, what the other teams are doing.” When I’ve had meetings here with executives from other clubs who know Adam Peters and the situation well, the most common response for what they do at No. 2 is J.J. McCarthy.”
Pelissero made the stunning disclosure at the 3:57 mark in the video above. While it is only a rumor, and it bears all of the hallmarks of a traditional, pre-draft smokescreen, McCarthy’s entry into the mix at this late point is still a big event.
Pelissero made the stunning disclosure at the 3:57 mark in the video above. While it is only a rumor, and it bears all of the hallmarks of a traditional, pre-draft smokescreen, McCarthy’s entry into the mix at this late point is still a big event.This year’s draft begins on Thursday, April 25, so the Commanders’ plans should be coming together, regardless of what Peters says publicly. He’s been keeping his cards close to his chest, but the first-year general manager will understand the importance of making the correct choice as he strives to tackle problems at football’s most crucial position that have persisted for a decade.
J.J. McCarthy a Polarizing Option and Risk for Adam Peters
McCarthy’s credentials as a potential top-five pick have sparked some debate. McCarthy led Michigan to the national championship, but he has skeptics.
Among them is Fox Sports’ Nick Wright, who told The Herd with Colin Cowherd that “at no point was I watching Michigan and like, ‘O man, and they’ve got a top-five pick at quarterback.'”
Wright believes McCarthy is nothing more than a “day two pick,” but not everyone agrees.
Former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum believes McCarthy is “the right prototype, with great intangibles.” The tape establishes the floor; the character establishes the ceiling, and his ceiling is boundless.”
Tannenbaum grades McCarthy as a “no-brainer” decision at fourth overall, putting him comfortably within the range of the Commanders. The question is whether the Commanders would reach for such a divisive talent two picks earlier, or if Peters’ interest in McCarthy suggests a draft-day trade.
Trade Scenarios Have Drawbacks for Adam Peters
Trading back from No. 2 would be a risky decision for a GM who has inherited a 4-11 squad with holes all over the roster. Peters and head coach Dan Quinn filled some of those vulnerabilities in free agency, signing key veterans such as running back Austin Ekeler and center Tyler Biadasz.
Those deals strengthen the foundation for a rookie quarterback, but most feel it will be Daniels or Maye. Both are regarded as a solid fit for what offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury prefers to do at the position.
Trading out of the second selection would only be worthwhile if the return was substantial enough. After trading first-round picks, the Commanders may only receive a high second-rounder in some scenarios.
That would not be sufficient to justify making a deal. Unless Peters and Quinn are tied on two quarterbacks and might make a case for selecting either with their new pick.
If McCarthy is one of them, his appointment would immediately put pressure on the new leadership to justify a decision that many would consider a stretch.