Welcome to the offseason. For 18 teams, the offseason began on Monday, with several teams firing their head coach, general manager, or both.
One of those teams is the Washington Commanders. Washington fired head coach/head of football operations Ron Rivera on Monday after going 4-13 in 2023. The Commanders quickly went to work, requesting permission to interview several head of football operations/general manager candidates and coaching candidates.
Thanks to a terrible season, Washington ended up with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. In a draft with two top-tier quarterback prospects, the Commanders have the opportunity to select either USC quarterback Caleb Williams or North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
In a new mock draft from ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid, he has Williams going No. 1 to the Bears, with Maye going to Washington at No. 2.
With new ownership — and soon a new coach — the Commanders are in desperate need of a spark. Maye can be just that. With a powerful arm to make any downfield throw, he can attack all three levels of the field. This season, he completed 35 passes of 20-plus air yards, the third most in the FBS. Maye still needs to improve his decision-making and progressions, but he is commonly getting comps to Justin Herbert. That speaks to his upside. Sam Howell flashed this season, but he threw a matching 21 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions.
The Commanders already have solid offensive targets in Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, and with four additional picks in the first three rounds, Washington could see a quick turnaround.
Yet another Justin Herbert comp for Maye. Washington fans should be happy if Maye is the next Herbert. Remember, the Commanders passed on Herbert in the 2020 NFL draft to select defensive end Chase Young.
As of now, Washington has yet to select a general manager or head coach. However, owner Josh Harris hopes to have the head of football operations/GM position locked up soon — perhaps this week.
