“Wouldn’t Draft [Drake] Maye in the 1st Round”: Merril Hoge Wants Commanders to Pick Jayden Daniels in a Shock Claim

Less than two months away, aspiring NFL players from college teams have their hopes pinned on the upcoming draft. Among the top prospects for the top picks are Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye, who many believe could be the top first-round picks. However, NFL analyst Merril Hoge has a different point of view.

In an interview on the Sports Junkies podcast, the former running back expressed his views on this year’s NFL Draft candidates. Contrary to popular opinions, Hoge doesn’t find Williams “special” and said he “wouldn’t draft Maye in the first round.” But he does have another option in mind for the No.2 pick for Commanders’ manager, Adam Peters.

Hoge prefers Jayden Daniels to Drake Maye

The former ESPN analyst had some interesting thoughts about this year’s potential draft picks. Hoge was asked who he would pick if he was in the Washington Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters’ shoes, with the no.2 pick in hand. The analyst had a straight answer: Jayden Daniels. Hoge feels like Daniels has experience with professional football concepts and plays, which will be an asset in his favor.

“I would take Jayden Daniels,” Hoge said. “He probably demonstrates the best evidence that a guy who plays from the pocket – and they have pro concepts they use, too, so I can use some reality and some realistic concepts that you’re gonna see in the NFL. I think he’s very accurate and processes things very well compared to Maye.”

The former player isn’t too eager for Drake Maye, who he feels is “inconsistent.” He also said he wouldn’t pick him in the first round for Washington.

“I wouldn’t draft Maye in the first round; there are a bunch of things that bother me – he’s extremely inconsistent, his accuracy and processing are inconsistent, he misses a lot of hots, he’s not extremely athletic, and I find him more stiff. He’s got a longer throwing motion, which allows more hits in our league than he gets in college, and I’m just bothered by it.”

With Caleb Williams expected to be the No. 1 pick who will the Commanders choose?

Having the 2nd pick in the draft, the Commanders are in a good position to upgrade their team with some young energy. After a disappointing season of 4-13, Washington could be looking to get a new quarterback or strengthen their tackle positions. With Williams widely expected to be selected first, it will be interesting to see who the Commanders choose after he’s off the table.

Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are the two names that have been doing the rounds as potential picks by Washington. Quarterback Daniels had 40 touchdowns, 3812 yards, and 72.2% completions in the last season. His accuracy and LSU background are turning analysts in his favor. Maye is not far behind with 33 touchdowns and 3608 passing yards as a QB in North Carolina.

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Soon over 300 players will be hoping to get into a team and start their professional career in the NFL. The teams, too, are in a state of discussion and planning to utilize their picks fully and pick talented players who would replenish their teams for the upcoming season.