The Washington Commanders face a pivotal decision with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, presenting a potential shift in the franchise’s trajectory. While conventional wisdom suggests three primary options—drafting Drake Maye from UNC, selecting reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels from LSU, or trading the pick for considerable draft capital—there’s speculation that Washington could opt for a surprising alternative.
Insights gleaned from discussions with team executives at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting indicate that Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy emerges as a prominent contender for the No. 2 spot.
McCarthy’s ascent in recent months has turned heads, with notable endorsements from his former coach, Jim Harbaugh, now with the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh has lauded McCarthy’s standout pro day performance as the best he’s ever witnessed, endorsing him as the premier quarterback in this year’s draft class.
McCarthy’s collegiate track record further bolsters his candidacy. With a remarkable 27-1 record as Michigan’s starter, McCarthy ranks third among quarterbacks in FBS history. His tenure culminated in a national championship, underscoring his ability to lead his team to success on the grandest stage.
Across 40 appearances for Michigan, McCarthy demonstrated efficiency, tallying 49 touchdowns against a mere 11 interceptions—a testament to his promising potential, recognized by NFL analysts as a harbinger of a luminous professional career. If the Commanders have indeed fallen in love with McCarthy, they probably should explore a trade down.
If Washington were to select McCarthy No. 2, it would have major ramifications on this draft. For one, the New England Patriots at No. 3 would have their choice of Drake or Daniels — or the option to trade down for what could be a huge haul.
In this hypothetical, New England would likely stick around and choose its new starting quarterback, but that would still lead to an intriguing situation for the Arizona Cardinals at No. 4. Arizona is expected by many to select Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., but if Maye or Daniels were available, the Cards would have trade options.