The Quarterback Conundrum

Twelve years ago, Washington handed over a king’s ransom to the LA Rams to move up to pick 2 of the 2012 draft.

By acquiring Robert Griffin III, the general consensus was that the then Redskins had a surefire duel threat QB for the next decade. After a blistering rookie season, the flames fanned out in spectacularly fashion. A mixture of dreadful injury luck and an inability to pass from the pocket, has Robert now at home in the commentary box rather than under centre in the NFL.

What does this tell us? Well, what might seem the ‘surest thing’ in the NFL Draft never actually is. A quick look back to the last time that Washington held the second pick (2020) and another ‘guaranteed’ stud in DE Chase Young, has followed an almost identical path to RG3 albeit playing a different position.

Can the Commanders, under new ownership, get it right in 2024?

They have a new hotshot General Manager in Adam Peters and a projected excellent leader of men in HC Dan Quinn that points to a long-term upward trajectory in D.C.

However, to become a quality franchise long-term, means hitting in the draft in the immediate future; namely the 25th-27th of April in Detroit.

There is a significant number of holes on the Washington roster, in fact, apart from the starting WR duo and interior DL, there is not a position group that doesn’t need the addition of both quality starters and solid depth.

Unless playing an advanced game of mind poker that seems far-fetched even for a savvy guy like Peters, our new GM has already stated at the combine that Washington needs a Quarterback, so it likely that last year’s starter, Sam Howell, will be at best on the sidelines.

I’d expect Jacoby Brissett to be heading out of Washington rather than a legitimate push for the starting job, with Washington more than likely to stick at #2 and select what they hope will become a long overdue franchise QB suited up in burgundy & gold.

Here at UKHTTC, we welcome back James Lowe to the blog who will give his thoughts on both Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, who are most forecasters second and third QB in the 2024 draft behind Caleb Williams. Also, UKHTTC founder, Christian Burt picks out another potential rookie QB pathway for the Commanders and a surprise free agent.

First up, James.

The Washington Commanders stand at a crossroads. Their path forward hinges on a momentous decision and one that could shape their destiny for years to come. As the NFL draft looms, the spotlight narrows on two signal-callers: Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Who holds the key to the Commanders’ resurgence?

Let’s dissect.

Drake Maye, the Tar Heel prodigy, strides onto the gridiron with prototypical size, pinpoint accuracy, and a cannon for an arm. His tape echoes the greats—precision passes threading needles, deep bombs that kiss the sky. Maye’s pocket presence exudes poise, and his football IQ reads like a seasoned veteran’s playbook. Imagine him donning the burgundy and gold, orchestrating drives with surgical precision. A franchise cornerstone.

But then there’s Jayden Daniels, the LSU phenom.

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels dances between chaos and brilliance. His playmaking ability transcends Xs and Os—improvisation, escape from sacks, football magic. When the pocket collapses, Daniels morphs into a human lightning bolt, electrifying defenses.

His arm strength launches missiles, and his football IQ: A Rubik’s Cube of audibles and reads. Imagine him weaving through traffic, turning broken plays into touchdowns. A franchise catalyst.

So, why Maye? Because Washington’s personnel yearns for his mould. Wideouts like Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin crave a surgeon’s precision. When the rush bears down, Maye’s towering frame becomes a battering ram and a more explosive threat than Daniels in chasing first downs. And let’s not forget the rugged NFC East, a division where Maye’s size and decision-making could tip the scales.

The draft board beckons. Maye, projected second overall, fits the Commanders like a glove. Daniels, perhaps destined for the Patriots or Giants, carries intrigue but lacks Maye’s ceiling. Washington, brace yourself. The heartbeats of fans are pulsing with anticipation. A city awaits its champion.

And amidst this high-stakes drama, Adam Peters, the new boy in the front office, feels the heat. His first major personnel decision will define his career. The weight of Commanders history rests on his shoulders. Will he choose the surgeon or the magician? The echoes of cheers and the weight of history beckon.

Peters, tread carefully, the football gods watch.

Christian on other options.

Pre-draft is a period of both information and plenty of disinformation. However, there are a few facts we do know. The first is that Washington is not in win-now mode. There are far too many holes on this roster for the Commanders to be serious challengers in the 2024 season.

In what appears to be a good draft for the Hardest Position in Sports™, it does seem likely that it will be a QB that is selected by the burgundy & gold in the first round; but might there be the obvious temptation to trade back not once but twice? This scenario is not unrealistic given the likelihood of Williams, Daniels and Maye going one two and three. When at 2, Washington will field calls. When at 3, Washington will still field calls.

A trade back with the Patriots and then even the New York Giants is not out of the question.

Would it be madness to opt-out of taking Maye or Daniels, especially given my thoughts to a double trade back?

Not necessarily, as a) there are plenty of other tantalising first-round grade QBs and b) this appears to be a draft where the first and second rounds are chock-a-block full of talent ergo the more talent acquired the better Washington will be overall. Remember that Adams very much wants to build through the draft and supplement with FAs.

We know is that Josh Harris and co are meticulous in their decision making; this appears to be a guy (Josh) who would rather risk missing out than making hires without all the facts at hand.

I am certain that the process for evaluating the QB class of 2024 will not solely be based around their ability to be immediate starter in the NFL or, more importantly, the current hype. For every CJ Stroud, there is a Jordan Love or even a Patrick Mahomes, who sat a year behind Alex Smith in Kansas City (the rest is history!).

With this in mind, Adam Peters will ask the fans to trust the process. Washington still draft a QB in the first round (step forward a JJ McCarthy to sit a year or a Michael Penix Jnr/Bo Nix to likely start) and also add a veteran to the QB room. Might there be a spot for a certain Justin Fields, who has all the tangible leadership and competitive qualities, if they did draft a younger QB with a lot to learn such as McCarthy?

Roll on late April for the full and final facts to be established.