NFL Draft EXCLUSIVE: Dane Brugler's QB Pick for Washington Commanders at No. 2

The Washington Commanders need a quarterback. The Athletic's Dane Brugler sat down with us to tell us which one they should take.

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10). / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Until the Washington Commanders turn in their pick card on the night of the first round in the 2024 NFL Draft the debate and conversations surrounding which quarterback should be the second players chosen this year are going to rage on.

In fact, while the Commanders are finalizing their pick and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is walking to the mic there will be predictions flying around living rooms, bars, and certainly in Detroit, Michigan as to whose name is about to be called.

For The Athletic's NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler, the choice Washington needs to make is an easy one.

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10). / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

"For me personally, Drake Maye from North Carolina is my number two quarterback in this class behind (USC's) Caleb Williams," Brugler said in an exclusive conversation with Commander Country. "I think when you look at the full package of skills, he's just three years removed from high school. He's still just 21 years old but what he's been able to do, especially the last two years, he's the only college quarterback over the last two years that has over 9,000 total yards. He does it with his arm, does it with his legs...he is one of the best third-down players in this class with this ability to work outside the pocket."

Like everyone else, Brugler also acknowledges Maye isn't a finished project coming out of North Carolina and will need some time to develop into a full-fledged NFL quarterback.

But his tape - the same tape NFL evaluators use to make these complex decisions - is what Brugler leans on to support his selection. And there are things in Maye's film that support a theory the draft analyst swears by to this day. One that, if true, certainly makes this quarterback one coach Dan Quinn would get along with very well.

"I'm a big believer in the older brother theory where when you grew up with older brothers, you're just a little bit more competitive," Brugler said. "You got this toughness to him, you have this edge to you. And with Drake Maye, he has three older brothers who all played high-level college athletics, I mean, he was always playing up a level growing up, and his whole family says that he grew up in a family of athletes. His whole family says he's the most competitive of the group, so I think he's cut from the same cloth as (Los Angeles Chargers quarterback) Justin Herbert. I think a lot of expectations are similar with these two players. So for me, Drake may would be that guy."

Calling out the name 'Herbert' has a certain impact on Commanders fans who still remember where they were the day their team selected Ohio State defensive end Chase Young with the No. 2 overall pick over the Chargers quarterback who is already multiple years into his second NFL contract while Young is about to suit up for his third team in two seasons.

If Maye is indeed an opportunity for Washington to get its Herbert-like quarterback, then it's easy to see why so many supporters are calling out for general manager Adam Peters to do so.

Of course, there are just as many pleding for LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, and even those who would like to see the Commanders trade back and take Michigan's J.J. McCarthy or Washington's Michael Penix Jr.

Around and around we go, but while we wait for the day Washington casts the only opinion that leads to an NFL contract and roster spot being taken, we now know what one of the best in the business thinks the team should do.

To hear the full interview with Brugler check out the Locked On Commanders podcast in audio and video forms.