Commanders Mock Draft: New regime embarks on rebuild by selecting QB Drake Maye
By Hunter Haas
Armed with a brand new ownership group and front office, the Washington Commanders are embarking on a full-scale rebuild in the Nation’s capital. Lucky for them, the team has an ample amount of resources at its disposal. Namely, the No. 2 overall pick in today's mock draft.
Commanders Mock Draft: Turning over a new page for the franchise
With such a coveted pick in tow, the Commanders are guaranteed one of the top three signal-callers in the class. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels? Perhaps more importantly: What can the franchise do to ensure their prized investment behind center has a fair chance at success?
Thanks to a midseason trade with the Chicago Bears, Washington also has two second-round picks. Their own selection sits at No. 36 overall, while the Bears pick falls at No. 40 overall. Simply put, the assets available to the Commanders should allow for a quicker-than-expected turnaround.
Without further ado, let’s dive into an updated mock draft. In this three-round exercise, Washington adds a cornerstone on offense and bolsters the rest of the unit around them. Caleb Williams was the No. 1 pick; now, the Commanders come to the podium.
Bye bye Sam Howell
Round 1, No. 2: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Sam Howell can’t shake this Drake Maye guy. After spending time together at North Carolina before Howell departed for the league, the duo formed a strong connection. Maye stepped in as the replacement in 2022 and quickly made fans forget about his predecessor.
Commanders fans hope the same fate awaits Howell in D.C. Although the elder statesman put up respectable numbers in his first full season as a starter on Sundays, the second half of the year paints a different picture. Howell ended up with 21 interceptions on the docket, leading to his eventual benching in the final weeks.
That lackluster play may have resulted in headaches for the fan base, but it also improved draft positioning, allowing for a chance at Maye this coming spring. And it goes without saying that the Commanders are getting a player with a significantly higher upside — and a considerably safer floor.
Maye possesses otherworldly accuracy from the pocket, looking like a surgeon as he processes the field. The UNC star has plenty of arm strength to attack all levels of the defense, including impressive zip on throws outside the numbers. He’s a savvy runner when the opportunity presents itself, giving his eventual play caller tons of versatility.
Maye is exactly what the doctor ordered for an organization hoping to land a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades. Don’t be surprised if the first-year player keeps Washington more competitive than one might expect in Year 1.