It was early morning and I was taking my son JT to go check out an event that featured the top NFL incoming QB draft prospects. Down the hill to our right we saw Drake Maye all by himself on a tennis court, launching passes over the fence- and over the adjacent interstate to the right! I said, “WOW! He really does have a cannon arm! Let’s go down and see if he would like for us to run routes for him.
As expected, he was very friendly and happy to throw the ball with us. I asked him if I could run some go routes and he was all-in. But unfortunately, I under-ran a few, and kept dropping balls he placed in my hands that should have been catchable. I told him my bad, that he was doing great, and that maybe I should run some simple slants instead- which were much easier for me to catch.
Next thing I knew we were sitting down and I started asking him questions. I asked if he had interacted with Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels- the other 2 top QB prospects. He said he hadn’t and that he really hasn’t had time, as his tight schedule has him focused on what he can do to improve, stay disciplined in his preparation and drills and be focused on what’s next. I also asked him what he enjoys in his free time when he travels. He said that he has a support team that travels with him that helps him manage his time, hold him accountable, and won’t let him deviate beyond the structured routine and disciplines that he holds himself to. I was very impressed and thought, this is the kind of kid I would want playing QB for my Burgundy & Gold.
Then, I woke up! Yes, this was a vivid dream I had this morning! Welcome to my funny world and I guess, something I have been thinking about a lot lately. On a side funny note: in my dream, Maye (who I wouldn’t be able to recognize if I saw him in real life!) actually looked like QB JD McCoy, in one of my favorite shows ever- “Friday Night Lights!”
But yeah, as a Washington football fan, who we draft at #2 overall is a huge topic of constant conversation among friends and media.
The widespread speculation, locally and nationally, is that the Bears take Caleb Williams #1. Still, speculation remains. Would Washington’s evaluation of Williams, a local phenom out of Gonzaga High School, be an overwhelming 1, and thus attempt to trade up one spot with the Bears to get the top QB? I will say, that IF Adam Peters and his brain trust are convinced Williams is elite, and clearly above the other top QB prospects, yes they should do what it takes to move up- if Chicago is truly open to dealing the pick.
But assuming a trade up will not happen, what will Washington do with this #2 pick? No surprise at all, and par for the course this time of year before the draft, the rumor mill swirls.
Some think a trade back to accumulate picks is possible. Would Washington find better value in passing on a QB at #2- IF they don’t absolutely love the guy- and rather, having a couple of first round picks? Perhaps taking a JJ McCarthy, or Michael Penix, Jr. later, and also draft someone like Brock Bowers, or one of the LT prospects?
Or, could Washington go the route of trying to bring back free agent QB Kirk Cousins, and still draft another QB later in the draft who could be developed for a few years under Cousins? Let me just say on this: while I love Kirk Cousins, and have well documented what I thought we should have done when he was our QB, I do not think we will go the route of bringing him back in this scenario. Now of course if Peters thinks this is the best route, I’m all in. But while a part of me would love Cousins being back and having a chance at winning redemption, I think that having this highly valued #2 pick- in a perceived very rich QB prospect draft- compels me to say that I absolutely think we need to go for it, not trade down, and draft our franchise QB at #2. While I liked a lot of things we saw in Sam Howell- especially early on in the season- the way things unraveled and his play dropped off (which could also be in large fault to Bienemy’s relentless pass-heavy attack), I’m not sure what to think about Howell’s potential. And generally speaking, when we don’t know what to make of the QB play, it’s more likely that we don’t have a franchise, QB1 star. Hope I’m wrong and maybe Howell could still be special. And I like a lot about who he is. But yes, I think we need to take another swing and draft one of the top QB’s.
So who do I prefer we take at #2? Honestly, I still have no idea. Running routes for Drake Maye didn’t convince me of anything! I haven’t watched enough on Daniels, Maye or anyone else to have any legit conclusions. While Daniels seems to have elite play-extending instincts, speed, and a good arm, he also has a very light frame- in the low 200’s. He would certainly need to pack on a lot of muscle to give him a better chance to avoid injury. And while Maye is a big guy, has his cannon arm, and is also very athletic, the concern seems to be his inconsistent accuracy and decisions on the hot routes, and his footwork.
And most importantly, what do we know about how these athletes are as people? Do they have incredible work ethic? Do they devour film? Are they the first one in the building and the last to leave? Are they gym rats? Do they eat well? Are they leaders? Do their teammates love them? Do they have a growth mindset? How do they handle adversity? All the intangibles. So essential.
At the end of the day, I am going to be very excited, and trust what Adam Peters decides is the best football decision for the organization. And let me also say that the reports of Josh Harris sitting in at QB meetings. does not bother or concern me in the slightest! From the jump, Harris has told us, that while he wants to learn, listen and be involved as an owner in various things, he will not be “involved”, as in making football decisions. He has completely turned this over to Adam Peters and his people. And I think this is completely reasonable! Zero problem with him wanting to sit in on QB meetings to listen, learn and support. Trusted source Sam Fortier laid it out:
Too many of our fans have Snyder PTSD and think this means Harris is doing the same! Absolutely not. Snyder would actually be the one running the meetings, and deciding who they would meet with! So grateful these days are behind us!
I am all-in on our tremendous ownership group. I trust what they are doing. I love the Adam Peters hire. And I gotta say, even though at first I admittedly wanted, and thought we would get Ben Johnson…the more I hear, watch and get to know more about what actually went down, and how much they also loved Dan Quinn from the jump, the more excited I am about Dan Quinn, and think we got someone who is great communicator, leader, motivator, and someone who is hungry.
Love this time of the year, and excited to see what my Burgundy & Gold decide to do in the draft and in free agency. And who knows, maybe if it’s Drake Maye, there will be a future opportunity to run routes for him!