The NFL Combine this year has been full of surprises, from interesting opinions coming from Denver’s Sean Payton to hosting a record number of women coaches. It seems like the Washington Commanders have pulled up their socks to wash off the sins from their last season. With a generous cap space and the No.2 pick in the draft, it’s no surprise that the team is gearing up right from the start. On top of that, the new owner, Josh Harris, has decided to lead the team from the front.
While it was expected to see the general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn at the Combine, it was reported that Harris was in Indianapolis as well. Washington is on the lookout for a new quarterback, and with some attractive prospects on this year’s draft, the team is in full action mode. While the owner’s presence speaks tons about his dedication towards the team, Harris was not there to pick players himself.
Josh Harris wants to get familiar with the NFL
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While several head coaches and managers had skipped this year’s NFL Combine, Harris’ presence gained a lot of attention. According to Adam Schefter, the owner attended all six interviews conducted by the team for the quarterback position. However, Harris has expressed that he doesn’t want to impose on any decision, and his focus is to learn about the inner workings of the NFL for the time being, as per Sam Fortier.
Attending his first combine as the Washington Commanders owner, Josh Harris has sat in and taken part of each of the six interviews that the team has conducted with the top quarterback prospects in this draft. Most owners don’t attend the combine; Harris is not only in… pic.twitter.com/45CB3tb65E
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 29, 2024
Harris seems to be set for actively participating in the quarterback search of the Commanders. With Caleb Williams expected to be the first pick by the Chicago Bears, Washington would likely choose between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. The owner’s appearance at the Combine comes after the news broke about him and his partner, David Blitzer, planning to sell their minority Steelers stake.
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Who will the Commanders draft as their No. 2 pick?
Washington wants a quarterback, and options are aplenty. The only factor stopping them from making a solid decision is the Chicago Bears, who are also vying for a quarterback and will choose before the Commanders. The top three QB prospects in the draft at the moment are Caleb Williams, Draft Maye, and Jayden Daniels. While Williams seems to be the top option for many teams, including Chicago, Washington will more likely have to choose between North Carolina’s Maye and LSU’s Daniels.
Daniels is a Heisman Trophy winner and has his throwing skill and speed in his favor. The LSU rookie prospect can be a good fit in the Commanders’ offense for the coming season. Maye isn’t far behind when it comes to stats and gameplay. However, many sports analytics have quoted his inconsistency as one of his drawbacks. Though his 2023 season was full of highs and lows, Maye has shown unquestionable potential and, with the right grooming, could be an asset to the Commanders.
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Read This: NFL Rule Forces Commanders Owners Josh Harris & David Blitzer to Sell 5% Stake in the Steelers
Whether Josh Harris’ participation will help the team redeem themselves in the 2024 season or if the move will be seen as over-involvement and further hamper Washington’s progress, only time will tell. With names like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels among some top names for this Draft, it’s definitely a crucial time for the Commanders to replenish their roster and make a comeback in 2024.