Report: Execs Predict Commanders Draft QB J.J McCarthy

With the NFL Draft season in full swing, the Washington Commanders have been connected to quarterback J.J. McCarthy of late.

ORLANDO - The NFL Draft is a month away and signs are pointing toward who the Washington Commanders could be eyeing with the No. 2 overall pick.

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero said that he has polled multiple NFL executives with connections to Commanders general manager Adam Peters at the NFL Owners Meetings in Orlando. Through gathering that information, Pelissero said they believe that Washington could be targeting Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

“When I’ve had conversations here with executives from other teams who know Adam Peters well [and] who know the situation well, the most popular answer for what they do at No. 2 is J.J. McCarthy." Pelissero said on Monday.

J.J. McCarthy

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McCarthy met with the Commanders for a pre-draft visit and dinner on Thursday.

The Commanders being connected to McCarthy is a change of pace compared to earlier rumors when Jayden Daniels was the quarterback many believed they liked. FanDuel and DraftKings still have Daniels as the betting favorite for Washington, and Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer reported that's who it had been leaning toward.

"The more I've started to ask around, the more it seems like Jayden Daniels is the leader in the clubhouse to be a Commander," Breer said. "It does match up with what Kliff Kingsbury has looked for in his quarterbacks over the years. Obviously, Jayden Daniels had a great season last season at LSU, and he's arguably the most ready to play of the three guys at the top of the draft."

This wouldn't be the first time Peters was with a franchise that went from being connected to a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback to one who may have more upside if developed properly. Peters was the assistant general manager for the San Francisco 49ers when they were connected to Mac Jones throughout the draft process before taking Trey Lance in 2021.

If Washington is ever going to turn the franchise around, it has to get it right if it decides to take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Whether it's Daniels or McCarthy, Peters can't afford to miss because if he does, he may not have another chance to pick a potential franchise quarterback for the Commanders.