Daniel Jeremiah Predicts Drake Maye to Commanders amid Jayden Daniels Draft Rumors

The Washington Commanders have been rumored to be interested in selecting LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick in next week's NFL draft, but one expert believes they are eyeing another highly-touted prospect.

During a conference call with reporters on Wednesday, NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah said "he's personally leaning" toward the Commanders drafting North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye over Daniels.

Jeremiah cited his familiarity with new Commanders general manager Adam Peters and how he operates as the reason for his prediction, emphasizing the "suspense" that continues to surround the No. 2 pick.

Washington is in search of a new franchise quarterback after 2023 starter Sam Howell was shipped away to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason. There is a universal expectation that the Chicago Bears will use the No. 1 pick to draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams, which would leave the Commanders free to choose whoever they view as the second-best quarterback in a class of talented prospects.

It appears that Washington can't go wrong with Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and dual-threat star, or Maye, the big-armed signal caller who has the prototypical traits to be a successful NFL quarterback. However, the decision is crucial for a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and hasn't won't a playoff game since 2005.

B/R's NFL Scouting Department predicted in its latest mock draft that the Commanders would select Daniels with the No. 2 pick, with Maye falling to the New England Patriots at No. 3. However, Maye is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the latest big board, so perhaps Washington would be wise not to pass up on him when it's time to make a selection on April 25.