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With the NFL Draft just two days away, the usual first-round chaos that helps define the event is beginning to take shape.
According to The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini, the Washington Commanders, who have the #2 overall selection in this year’s draft, is the team that’s fielding tons of calls about trading down.
Russini says, however, that the Commanders have told teams that are not moving, in addition to general manager Adam Peters publicly stating they are going to select a quarterback, which will presumably one of either Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, or JJ McCarthy. The Commanders’ quarterback room currently consists of Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel, and Jake Fromm — none of which are considered the future of the franchise.
Should the Commanders change their mind or receive an offer they can’t refuse, their trading out of the #2 spot could spark draft night chaos, as the teams that follow them, notably the New England Patriots at #3 and the New York Giants at #6 are both expected to take a quarterback.
Teams trying to move up for QB and calling Washington are being told they are not moving.
Washington’s GM Adam Peters has publicly stated the Commanders feel great about staying at No. 2 and picking their QB.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 23, 2024
Other teams (not counting the Chicago Bears, who will be taking USC QB Caleb Williams with the #1 overall pick) that could potentially draft a quarterback in the first round are the Minnesota Vikings at 11, the Denver Broncos at 12, the Las Vegas Raiders at 13, and the New Orleans Saints at 14.
It certainly isn’t surprising that the Commanders plan to hold firm as they’re likely looking to bring in a quarterback to help usher in a new era of Washington football alongside new owner Josh Harris and head coach Dan Quinn.
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft will begin with the first round on Thursday, April 25 followed by Rounds 2-3 on Friday, April 26 and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 27. This is the first time that the NFL Draft is being held in Detroit, as the NFL only began hosting the draft in cities other than New York a few years ago.