NFL Mock: Washington Commanders Flip The Script at No. 2?

The Washington Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and in Will Helm's latest mock for Pro Football Network, he has the franchise making a surprising selection.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates a play against Alabama during overtime of the Rose / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Washington Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and the consensus is that the franchise will select a quarterback.

Long thought to be either LSU's Jayden Daniels or North Carolina's Drake Maye, now we have a new name entering calculations - Michigan's J.J. McCarthy.

Since the NFL owners meeting, McCarthy to Washington has been picking up steam as the National Championship winner looks like he could be heading to the Nation's Capital.

In Will Helms' latest mock draft for Pro Football Network, that is exactly what happens as the Commanders leave both Daniels and Maye on the board.

"I’m still skeptical of J.J. McCarthy being the pick at No. 2, especially because offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is known for a more Air Raid system," Helms wrote. "However, there seems to be serious smoke about McCarthy going earlier in the draft than people think. McCarthy only attempted 24 passes more than 10 yards downfield against ranked opponents last year, so while the potential is there, we’ve never seen him in a superstar role."

Having McCarthy going at No. 2 would be a surprise to many given how highly thought of both Maye and Daniels are. But looking at McCarthy's stats, its easy to see why.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates a play against Alabama during overtime of the Rose / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

First of all, McCarthy has won 27 out of his 28 starts in his college career, which suggests he's a serial winner. His 2023 stats make for good reading, throwing for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.

Often relying on the Wolverines' run-game, McCarthy wasn't often asked to throw Michigan to a win, with just three times having over 30 pass attempts. Five times he had under 20 attempts which shows the power of Michigan's run game.

For the Commanders, having Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr., McCarthy could again lean on the rushing attack under Kliff Kingsbury.

The Commanders have had a good start to their offseason after bolstering the roster with several free agency additions. But now comes what they hope will be the crowning piece of their offseason plans.

And that's bringing McCarthy to Washington.