Breaking: Commanders Closing In On Deal To Sign $46.3 Million QB With ‘Shades’ of Brock Purdy
The Washington Commanders’ main surprise in the 2024 NFL draft is the identity of the quarterback they will undoubtedly choose second overall. The decision by general manager Adam Peters to choose J.J. McCarthy over Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye due to similarities with Brock Purdy was surprising.
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Commanders are likely to throw a surprise at the start of Round 1. despite the fact that he “wouldn’t advocate for the Commanders taking McCarthy over Maye or Daniels,” Knox said that he “can envision Peters seeing in McCarthy shades of another QB he had a hand in drafting—Brock Purdy—and flipping the switch on the pick.”
Knox hypothesized on why suspicions linking the Commanders to McCarthy have subsided: “Though the Commanders met with the Michigan signal-caller, the buzz has quieted over the last few weeks.” Sometimes when the clamor ceases, it’s because a franchise is attempting to conceal its goals.”
Knox’s forecasts are supported by Peters’ involvement in the San Francisco 49ers’ decision to choose Purdy with the final choice in the 2022 draft. McCarthy, like Purdy, is frequently seen as a game manager who understands how to win but will not be a frequent guest character on weekly highlight reels.
Brock Purdy Comparisons Encouraging for Commanders
The analogies to Purdy are positive for the Commanders. At least to a point. The so-called ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ from two years ago has established an enviable win-loss record at the Niners’ controls.
According to StatMuse, Purdy has a 24-7 record since entering the professionals. His accomplishments have helped the 49ers win two NFC Championship games and make it to the Super Bowl last season.
It’s a more than satisfactory return for a seventh-round pick turned starter. Purdy’s talent is difficult to assess because to his strong supporting cast, which includes Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel.
That difficulty is why Purdy has to answer questions about being labelled a “game manager,” something he shrugged off before the Super Bowl, per 49ers on NBCS: “If you’re saying that I’m a game manager and I don’t look flashy in how I do it. I mean, that’s your opinion and that’s okay. And at the end of the day, I want to do what it takes to help my team win.”
McCarthy has faced similar questions ahead of the draft.
J.J. McCarthy Game Manager Label Not a Problem
McCarthy’s role as functional coordinator for national champion Michigan has either hindered or improved his draft ranking, depending on who is talking. Kurt Warner, a Hall of Fame quarterback, disagrees.
According to Karen Guregian of MassLive.com, McCarthy is not considered a “game-changer” worthy of being a top-five pick.
This is an interesting perspective on a quarterback who has not thrown for more than 3,000 yards in his last two seasons at Michigan. McCarthy lacks the numbers to compete with the rest of the premier talents at his position in this class, but some believe the 21-year-old has the potential to play in the pros.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, some observers say McCarthy is not a game manager because he possesses high-level skills.
It’s a legitimate argument, given that then-Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh emphasized a strong power-based running game. Harbaugh favored efficiency over aerial fireworks from his QB1.
The Commanders have running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr., allowing them a similar offensive layout.The Commanders’ choice to meet with all four quarterbacks at once may have offended certain candidates, including Heisman Trophy winner Daniels, leading Peters to settle for McCarthy instead.
