2024 NFL mock draft: Scouts predict the top 10 picks
2. Washington Commanders
Projected pick from an AFC national scout: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Here's the first surprise of the mini-mock, with our scout assigned to the No. 2 pick opting for Maye over LSU's Jayden Daniels. Maye is No. 9 on my board, while Daniels is No. 5 overall.
"Maye has more upside," said the scout. "I question Daniels' ability to play in condensed spaces."
Another consideration for the scout making the pick? Maye's ability to make throws with pressure in his face and absorb the impact of free pass-rushers in the North Carolina passing game. He threw 10 touchdown passes (tied for seventh in the nation) when pressured in 2023. Maye (6-foot-4, 223 pounds) is often compared to Justin Herbert, and his vertical passing ability would no doubt fit well with wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson in Washington.