Mel Kiper 'Not Convinced' Commanders Will Pick J.J. McCarthy Amid NFL Draft Rumors

It is widely believed that the Washington Commanders will select a quarterback with the No. 2 overall selection in this year's NFL draft, though whether it will be Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy remains up in the air.

At least one prominent draft expert doesn't believe it will be the latter.

"I just keep hearing things about McCarthy," ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. said during Monday's episode of First Draft (21:07 mark). "I have the final mock coming out Wednesday. I'm still not convinced No. 2 overall is where he's going to go, but you hear it. Matt Miller's talked about it more than anybody that Michigan's quarterback McCarthy could go two. I'm not saying I'm not buying it, but I'm not convinced that's going to happen right now."

According to the B/R NFL Scouting Department, taking McCarthy No. 2 overall would be considered a major reach. In its latest big board, it has Maye ranked as the No. 3 prospect overall, Caleb Williams at No. 4, Daniels at No. 29 and McCarthy all the way down at No. 54.

Yes, teams traditionally reach for quarterbacks—it's the most important position in the sport—but taking a player with a second-round grade at No. 2 is a stretch.

Granted, teams may have a far different grade on the former Michigan man. At this point, there's certainly been enough buzz about him being a top-five pick to suggest as much.