It was a big week for two of the 2024 NFL draft’s top quarterback prospects. Jayden Daniels (LSU) and Drake Maye (North Carolina) held their pro days on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
By all accounts, things couldn’t have gone better for Daniels and Maye. Of course, it’s tough to say a pro day can improve or drop a quarterback’s stock. Much of a quarterback’s evaluation is the college tape. Everything else is mostly about the interview process that each team spends with the prospects.
The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots hold the No. 2 and No. 3 selections in next month’s draft. Both teams need a quarterback. Throughout the pre-draft process, Maye and Daniels have been linked to the Commanders and Patriots. Most often, Daniels has been projected to Washington at No. 2.
After Maye’s pro day performance, former NFL quarterback David Carr of the NFL Network was asked which quarterback was a better fit for the Commanders.
He chose Maye.
“That actually makes the most sense to me,” Carr said when told that NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has the North Carolina quarterback going to Washington in his latest mock draft.
“If Caleb Williams does go to Chicago, this is the natural pick. Drake Maye just fits right in. With his ability to move, with Kliff Kingsbury and the offense they’re going to run.”
Carr then breaks down some of Maye’s throws while explaining why he fits Washington.
“That offense is going to be spread out,” he said. “You’re going to get extra pressure. Can you make a play? Can you push the ball down the field? Can you identify that its zero coverage and a one-on-one opportunity? And push the ball down the field with sustained accuracy. Can you do it on the run? Can you escape?”
Carr is showing examples of Maye doing all of these things, including throwing a left-handed pass for a touchdown while under pressure. The 2002 No. 1 overall pick says Maye has it all and is the perfect prospect to mold.
“That actually makes the most sense to me.”
Which team does @DCarr8 think is the best fit for Drake Maye? (via @NFLTotalaccess) pic.twitter.com/CCoFnu3wIL
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 28, 2024
There are some who believe Maye has the highest upside of each of the quarterbacks, including Caleb Williams. While there are some things Maye must continue to work on, such as his mechanics and footwork, they are correctable.
As Washington GM Adam Peters said earlier in the week, the Commanders are under no pressure to start a rookie immediately since they signed veteran Marcus Mariota.