Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels seems less than thrilled about the prospect of being drafted by the Washington Commanders in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft. ESPN’s Adam Schefter hinted at Daniels’ disinterest in joining Washington during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, suggesting that Daniels may prefer other destinations.
The Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, and with the departure of former starting quarterback Sam Howell, they are in the market for a new signal-caller. However, Schefter’s comments indicate that Daniels may not be enthusiastic about the possibility of landing in Washington.
According to Schefter, Daniels’ pre-draft visit with Washington, which involved several other quarterbacks, didn’t seem to go smoothly, possibly causing tension between Daniels and his agent. ESPN’s John Keim reported that Washington hosted Daniels along with three other quarterbacks, including Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., and J.J. McCarthy, in what may have been a less-than-ideal situation for Daniels and his representation.
"It has been tracking for Jayden Daniels to go at number two..
It feels like Jayden Daniels has an interest in being other places..
We’ll see what the Washington Commanders do with that information" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive https://t.co/6pVLDVMIHO pic.twitter.com/U7nijL0ZQw
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 19, 2024
Further adding to the speculation, Daniels’ agent appeared to endorse criticism of the Commanders’ decision to evaluate all four quarterback prospects simultaneously rather than individually. This suggests a potential rift between Daniels and the Commanders organization.
Despite any reservations Daniels may have about Washington, his performance during his senior season at LSU has garnered significant attention. With an impressive Heisman Trophy-winning campaign under his belt, Daniels boasts remarkable statistics both as a passer and a rusher, making him a highly sought-after prospect in the upcoming draft.
JAYDEN DANIELS, WOW 😤 pic.twitter.com/9UcGy5H5K6
— ESPN (@espn) October 7, 2023
In mock drafts, Daniels has been projected as a top pick, with some analysts suggesting he could go as high as third overall. His combination of pocket presence, athleticism, and on-field success make him an enticing prospect for NFL teams despite concerns about his arm strength and accuracy.
As the draft approaches, it remains to be seen whether Daniels’ reported preference to avoid Washington will impact his draft stock. While he is expected to be selected early in the draft, his stance on potential landing spots may influence where he ultimately ends up on draft day.
