The Commanders' predraft QB rankings may surprise you

Pre-draft stories that linked Commanders general manager Adam Peters with Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy were at least somewhat accurate even though Washington ultimately made LSU's Jayden Daniels the second pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

"He liked Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy more than presumed second choice Drake Maye, the North Carolina star, according to multiple sources," ESPN's John Keim wrote about Peters. "But Daniels — due in part to his experience, polish, resilience and game-changing ability — became the organization's top pick early in their evaluations and never lost ground as Peters & Co. finished out the process." 

Whispers emerged last month claiming that McCarthy was "high, if not first, on the boards of the" Commanders and New England Patriots. After the Chicago Bears drafted USC's Caleb Williams first overall, Washington happily grabbed Daniels at pick No. 2. The Patriots took Maye with the third selection, while McCarthy had to wait until the Minnesota Vikings traded up to make him the draft's 10th choice. 

"According to multiple sources in Washington, Peters was also high on McCarthy," Keim explained. "Others in the building were, too" 

Keim added that "McCarthy was second on [Washington's] list of options" on April 25, ahead of Maye. 

In the days before the draft, some suggested that Daniels may have been interested in playing for a team other than Washington. It seems individuals within the Commanders were never concerned that he could create an awkward situation for the club this spring. 

"Former Arizona State coach Herm Edwards, who recruited Daniels and coached him for three years, told Peters that Daniels 'was a man; don't let his youth fool you,'" Keim said. "One source said [San Francisco 49ers] receiver Brandon Aiyuk, a close friend of Daniels', sang his pal's praises to Peters. And San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan, with whom Peters worked for seven years, also gave Daniels a glowing review." 

As for the Commanders possibly moving off the second pick to take McCarthy later in the top 10, Keim mentioned that Washington "never considered trading back in the draft." 

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Daniels third among the betting favorites at +650 odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. It's unclear if Daniels or veteran Marcus Mariota will be Washington's Week 1 starter come September.