Jayden Daniels wasn’t certain if the Washington Commanders would choose him after months of uncertainty about which quarterback they preferred. However, he’s pleased they did.
Washington picked Daniels as the second selection in the NFL draft on Thursday night, opting for the Heisman Trophy winner from LSU over other contenders like North Carolina’s Drake Maye, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., and Michigan’s national champion J.J. McCarthy.
In contrast to expectations that Caleb Williams would be the top pick for Chicago, the Commanders kept their decision under wraps until the end, leaving everyone, including the AP’s college football player of the year, guessing.
“They did a pretty good job of not showing their hand too much,” Daniels remarked. “But I was pretty confident based on the conversations that we had that I was able to come here and fit into the Commander’s team. I’m here now. I can’t wait to get to work.”
For a while, Daniels had been considered the front-runner to join the Commanders, although speculation arose last week after reports suggested that he and his agent were unhappy with the team hosting four QB prospects simultaneously.
Daniels, May, McCarthy, and Penix all toured the practice facility and area together, even enjoying a group outing to Topgolf, an experience that general manager Adam Peters described as overwhelmingly positive.
Peters mentioned that Daniels had been the clear choice for a while: everyone in the front office agreed, and the Commanders were ready to announce their decision when it was their turn to pick. There wasn’t any worry about Daniels refusing to join Washington.
“He never mentioned that to us and seemed genuinely happy with where he ended up,” Peters stated. Daniels now becomes the focal point of the Commanders’ efforts to rebuild and revamp their roster under Peters and an ownership group led by Josh Harris, who took over in August.
“Choosing a winner like Jayden Daniels will excite both the players and our fan base!” co-owner Magic Johnson shared on social media.
Except Williams, a local talent who would have been an obvious choice if the Bears hadn’t selected him, Daniels emerged as the pick after leading the country in total offense last season with 4,946 yards — averaging 412.2 yards per game over 12 matches.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 210 pounds, the quarterback ranked fifth in passing yards with 3,812 and was second only to Oregon’s Bo Nix in touchdowns with 40, despite playing in fewer games. He also rushed for an additional 10 touchdowns.
“To us, he’s outstanding in every aspect,” Peters remarked. “When you analyze him as a quarterback, he’s truly exceptional… He’s arguably the best deep-ball passer in the draft. And the way he runs can demoralize a defense.”
Daniels, aged 23, rose to prominence during his two seasons at LSU, having transferred there in 2022 following a stint of three years at Arizona State.
As his rapport with receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. developed, Daniels improved his decision-making as a passer and became skilled at extending plays by scrambling instead of immediately resorting to running.
Nabers was selected by the New York Giants with the fifth pick, followed by Thomas going to Jacksonville at No. 23.
It remains uncertain whether Daniels will start right away, have the opportunity to compete for the starting role, or spend time learning behind veteran Marcus Mariota, who is open to mentoring after signing a one-year contract in free agency.
Regardless of whether it’s Daniels, Mariota, or journeyman Jeff Driskel, Washington is set to have its eighth different starting QB in as many seasons come Week 1, following the trade of Sam Howell to Seattle last month.
“I’m here to compete,” Daniels stated. “I’ll do whatever it takes to contribute to the team’s success and be the best teammate I can.”
Picked second by Washington, 12 years after they drafted Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III from Baylor in the same spot, Daniels, hailing from San Bernardino, California, now becomes the face of the Commanders under coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Daniels mentioned Kingsbury’s coaching tenure with the Arizona Cardinals and his success with Kyler Murray as a key reason he’s eager to play under him.
“The offensive staff has a proven track record,” Daniels stated. “Kliff coached Kyler, and he had him in the MVP conversation for a while.”
After addressing their primary need with their first pick, the Commanders have eight more selections in this draft, with five scheduled for Friday night (picks No. 36 and 40 in the second round and picks No. 67, 78, and 100 in the third round).
There was some thought given to trading back into the first round for a left tackle, but the high demand for top prospects at that position delayed that plan until Friday, with cornerback and receiver also being areas of focus.
