Commanders Select Potential Franchise QB in 2024 NFL Mock Draft

In a new 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the Washington Commanders use their first-round pick on a quarterback.

Jacoby Brissett might start the final two games of the season for the Washington Commanders, but it's extremely unlikely the journeyman is under center in Week 1 of 2024 season in burgundy and gold. 

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Maybe a new regime -- which will presumably replace coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew after the season -- will believe they can get Sam Howell to take better care of the ball. But the more likely scenario is the Commanders will turn the page entirely under new owner Josh Harris, and look for a new franchise quarterback this offseason. 

With that in mind, Sports Illustrated recently released a new 2024 NFL Mock Draft, with the Commanders using the No. 3 overall pick on North Carolina's Drake Maye. 

"Sam Howell's headed to the bench in favor of Jacoby Brissett, and it feels like more big changes are coming for Washington this offseason," SI wrote. "Much like the Bears, a new coaching staff could lead to a new franchise quarterback for the Commanders, especially if they end up in position to land a top prospect like Maye." 

Maye perhaps didn't match his 2022 season when he tossed 38 touchdowns to seven interceptions, while racking up 4,321 yards. Still, in 2023 he tossed 24 touchdowns to nine interceptions in 2023 with 3,608 passing yards. He also rushed for 449 yards and nine touchdowns this past season, so it was still a productive campaign for the 21-year-old. 

USC's Caleb Williams is still expected to be the top quarterback taken, and in this mock he's selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 1 overall pick. However, it's possible that the Bears and Arizona Cardinals -- owners of the top two picks currently -- will stick with their incumbents, Justin Fields and Kyler Murray, respectively. Even if that happens, though, it feels pretty unlikely that Williams isn't taken with one of the first two selections. If it's not by the Bears or Cardinals, it will be by someone who trades a bounty to move up and pick Williams. 

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Heck, for as great of a prospect as Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is, there's such a premium on quarterbacks that we wouldn't bet against Williams and Maye going in the first two selections. 

That would mean that as things stand currently, the Commanders would need to move up at least a pick to select Williams or Maye. Then again, perhaps they would be content to take Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels with the third pick, assuming he's the third quarterback taken. It's also possible that by the time the dust settles, and the Commanders finish out their 2023 slate against the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, they have a higher selection than No. 3.