Post-Combine Mock Draft: Commanders Select Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels?
The NFL Scouting Combine is now done and dusted, with the Washington Commanders, like the other 31 teams, conducting both formal and informal interviews with draft hopefuls.
The Commanders would have also been keeping a keen eye on the individual drills and each player's measurements to ensure that no stone was left unturned in their search for the best possible outcome of the draft.
But did the Combine alter the Commanders' thinking of who they should take with the No. 2 overall pick? As it turns out, no as in CBS Sports' latest mock draft, Washington selects North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
"The Commanders opt for Drake Maye, who has connections to QBs coach Tavita Pritchard and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury," CBS Sports writes.
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
So it's Maye who is tasked with leading the new regime in Washington.
This lines up with what The Athletic writes that the Commanders were "high on Maye" and thus, a new quarterback comes to Washington.
Having thrown for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions, along with 449 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, the Commanders are getting a proper dual-threat quarterback to lead Kliff Kingsbury's offense.
Washington has some decent offensive pieces to put around Maye with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Brian Robinson Jr. as the main weapons.
But the offensive line left a lot to be desired last season as Sam Howell was often running for his life as the Commanders gave up the second-most sacks in the NFL (65).
So upgrading Maye's protection should be job No. 1 for general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. The likes of Kevin Zeitler, Connor Williams, and even Tyron Smith could be seen as viable options in free agency.
Washington has an abundance of cap space and must put pieces around Maye that give him the best chance to succeed in his rookie season.
It is a new era in the nation's capital, and it's Maye who has been tasked to lead it.
