The Washington Commanders took many steps to distance themselves from the Daniel Snyder era, starting with changing ownership and bringing in a new coach, Dan Quinn. One of the biggest moves they made was selecting a new quarterback with the second overall pick of the NFL Draft. Jayden Daniels, coming off an incredible season at LSU, will be the face of this fresh start in Washington. After years of searching for a permanent answer at quarterback, the Commanders are hoping that Daniels will be the solution they have been looking for. His dual-threat ability and impressive 2023 season make him one of the NFL’s most exciting quarterbacks.
Jayden Daniels had a standout 2023 season at LSU, winning the Heisman Trophy and improving his NFL Draft stock significantly. He passed for 3,814 yards, threw 40 touchdowns with just four interceptions, and rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. Daniels’ dynamic playmaking ability makes him a perfect fit for the current era of NFL quarterbacks. While there are some potential drawbacks to his game, such as the need to protect himself better as a runner and speed up his decision-making process as a passer, his undeniable ability and production make him an exciting prospect for the Commanders and their fans.
Washington settled on Jayden Daniels as their new quarterback after Caleb Williams was selected by the Chicago Bears with the first overall pick. The Commanders had been studying the available quarterbacks on the board and had the opportunity to choose between top prospects like Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy. General manager Adam Peters made it clear that they were not entertaining offers to trade the pick, indicating their confidence in one of the quarterback options. Despite some initial questions about Daniels’ desire to play for Washington, he stated that he was fully committed to being drafted by the Commanders.
With a new owner, coach, stadium plans, and now a promising young quarterback in Jayden Daniels, the Commanders are looking to start a new chapter in the franchise’s history. Daniels’ selection has generated positive reactions from fans, who are hopeful that he will give them a reason to re-engage with the team after the turbulent Snyder era. While there may be some adjustments for Daniels to make at the NFL level, his potential and playmaking abilities make him an exciting addition to the Commanders’ roster. As Washington embarks on this fresh start, they are banking on Daniels to be the long-term answer at quarterback that they have been searching for.
