Report: Patriots could get to pick between Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels with No. 3 pick

"The most popular answer for what they do at No. 2 is J.J. McCarthy."

Jayden Daniels might fall to the Patriots at No.3 if the Commanders opt to take J.J. McCarthy (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

March 25, 2024

2 minutes to read

For most of the last few months, the general consensus around the NFL has been that the Patriots will be able to pick at least one of UNC’s Drake Maye or LSU’s Jayden Daniels with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

But few have predicted a scenario where New England gets to choose between the two gifted quarterback prospects — with most mock drafts projecting the Washington Commanders to take one of Daniels/Maye with the No. 2 pick.

But could Washington go off the board and opt for another quarterback other than Maye or Daniels next month?

Much like 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Scott Zolak, it seems like the Commanders might be buying into the hype with Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy.

NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported on Monday from the NFL’s annual meeting in Orlando that the Commanders may have their sights set on the Wolverines signal-caller with their top pick.

What do the #Commanders do with the No. 2 pick? I asked Dan Quinn … and then we discussed his answer, on The Insiders. pic.twitter.com/1KZpKEBBR5
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 25, 2024

“It’s been really interesting because everybody is always trying to figure out, especially at the top of the draft, what the other teams are doing,” Pelissero said.

“When I’ve had conversations here, with executives from other teams, who know Adam Peters well, know the situation well, the most popular answer for what they do at No. 2 is J.J. McCarthy,” Pelissero continued. “So a lot of drama still to come, pending what happens with the No. 2 pick, or wherever Washington ends up picking, whoever ends up picking at No. 2.”

If Washington does go off the board and take McCarthy with the No. 2 pick, the Patriots suddenly have a great problem on their hands when it comes to choosing between Maye or Daniels at No. 3.

In 12 games last season, Maye completed 63.3% of his passes for 3,608 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He put together a stronger 2022 campaign, tossing 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions over 14 games.

Jerod Mayo had high praise for Maye while speaking to reporters in Florida, noting that the former Tar Heels QB had a “fantastic interview” with New England at the NFL Scouting Combine.

“He brings a lot of energy. You can tell he has that leadership ability. Also, the exciting part about a guy like Drake Maye is the ceiling,” Mayo noted. “Like, there is really no ceiling with a guy like that.”

Mayo was also asked about his interviews with Daniels, who won the 2023 Heisman Trophy at LSU after scoring a combined 50 touchdowns (40 passing, 10 rushing) while only throwing four interceptions.

“I was on a Zoom with him. I’ve met him before. Look, those guys have Pro Days coming up here soon,” Mayo said. “Like, when I leave here I’m going to LSU and then when I leave LSU I’m going to Carolina before I get back home but you have to do your due diligence. And once again, it’s not all about me, it’s not all about (de-facto GM) Eliot (Wolf) which you guys have heard me say a lot, it’s about collaboration.”