Commanders Draft Jayden Daniels to Lead the New Era in DC
Raise Hail! The Washington Commanders have drafted Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels with the number two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft Thursday night in Detriot. In this new era with Josh Harris at the helm, Commanders fans have a lot to be excited about. The dual-threat quarterback from LSU dominated the SEC throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 TDs with only four interceptions in the 2023 campaign. This led to Daniels winning the Heisman Trophy, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and All-American honors.
When Sam Howell was traded away all signs pointed toward Washington drafting a quarterback. With Caleb Williams being selected first to the Bears, Daniels was the perfect choice for General Manager Adam Peters’ first pick as GM. The Commanders haven’t had great success recently at the quarterback position, rotating between 12 different starting QBs since 2018. The last time the Commanders picked a QB with the number two pick was Robert Griffin III. Daniels has a lot of similarities to RG3, but with Adam Peters and Dan Quinn making decisions, Commanders fans can expect a different outcome.
The 6-foot-4 Daniels brings his electric playmaking and speed to a Commanders offense that will be led by Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury has had success with quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray, and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. Daniels excelled in the spread system at LSU which is something Kingsbury is very familiar with. Having targets like Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and newly acquired Austin Ekeler, this offense has the potential to strike fear in defensive coordinators around the league.
With the Commanders having two second-round and three third-round picks, one of the five selections will most likely go toward the offensive line. The Commanders were tied for second in the league with 65 sacks allowed. With Daniels’ athleticism and slim frame, GM Adam Peters must take a look up the beltway and reinforce the o-line just like the Ravens did two years prior.
The Commanders have found their signal-caller for the future, as this team ushers in the new era that brings hope to a fan base that has seen brighter days. Daniels is a true team guy and will give everything he has to the Commanders.
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