Commanders select LSU QB Jayden Daniels with No. 2 overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft

A new period in D.C. introduces a new franchise quarterback.

The Washington Commanders selected LSU product Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft — the inaugural draft pick of the Josh Harris era and the first big move of the Adam Peters-Dan Quinn partnership — on Thursday in Detroit.

After trading away last year’s starter Sam Howell and signing backup QB Marcus Mariota this offseason, it was clear the Commanders would take a quarterback at No. 2. The question was, which one would they land?

The newly appointed brass decided on the 2023 Heisman Trophy Winner.

“Frankly, my sole aim is to compete. I’m entering this with the sole intention of fulfilling my role, whatever that may be,” Daniels stated in his post-draft press conference. “My primary desire is to be the best teammate I can be in order to assist the team in achieving victories. My hope is to bring back some wins to D.C., to the DMV, and to create a fun environment.”

Daniels is an electrifying player who can strike a defense through the air and carve through it on the ground for significant gains. Standing at 6-foot-4, this quarterback is a master of explosive plays, with his college footage resembling a continuous highlight reel.

Daniels, after starting three seasons at Arizona State, made a transfer to LSU in 2022. His performance there was stellar, demonstrating skill development that suggests potential for continued improvement in the NFL. Only 23, Daniels had an impressive college career, accumulating 12,749 passing yards, 89 passing touchdowns, and only 20 interceptions. Additionally, he added 3,307 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns on the ground in his 55 games across five seasons.

Playing alongside two eventual first-round receivers — Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. — Daniels lit up the SEC in 2023, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 TDs with just four INTs and adding 1,134 rushing yards and 10 scamper scores en route to the Heisman Trophy. The QB made big plays look routine, tossing gorgeous field-stretching passes and taking chunks out of the defense.

Daniels, a field general, has the ability to analyze the progression and identify the appropriate response for any defense. His swift release permits him to swiftly throw the ball when he opts to make a move. Though he may not possess the strongest arm or the fastest throw speed in his class, Daniels has the capacity to make every required throw.

The QB’s dynamic ability hits new heights in the ground game. His ability to wiggle out of the pocket and gash defenses with his legs sets Daniels apart. In a league where mobile quarterbacks — from Patrick Mahomes to Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts — scare the pants off defensive coordinators when the pocket breaks down, Daniels fits right in.

Entering the NFL, Daniels’ primary worry is his self-protection ability during movement, having been part of substantial collisions in college. He has a lean physique, so he needs to learn when to duck down and dodge big hits. The quarterback had higher productivity as a passer on premeditated rollouts compared to scramble drills, frequently opting for a run instead of a pass under pressure. His arm strength is not colossal, which sometimes results in overthrown balls and potential high misses.

Daniels joins the NFL with as much potential as any quarterback in this class, offering game-altering skills with his arm and legs.

Much like their counterpart from Chicago atop the 2024 NFL Draft, Washington is hoping to finally end the quarterback turnstile that has plagued the organization for years. Following the Robert Griffin III/ Kirk Cousins years, there’s been a dizzying cycle of new QBs in D.C. Since 2018, the Commanders have had 12 quarterbacks start a game — Alex Smith, Josh Johnson, Colt McCoy, Mark Sanchez, Case Keenum, the late Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Garrett Gilbert, Carson Wentz and Howell.

Currently, Daniels is assuming leadership, heralding a new phase in DC. His only competitor, Mariota, who has had trouble performing in games over the last two seasons, leaves Daniels with a virtually unobstructed route to the Week 1 starting position.

Washington boasts the pieces to make Daniels’ transition easier. Terry McLaurin is a legit No. 1 wideout who can win at all three levels and should become the rookie’s best friend. Jahan Dotson didn’t burst out in Year 2 as the club hoped, but he is an excellent complement to McLaurin and a weapon in the red zone. The offseason additions of veteran Zach Ertz and Austin Ekeler help round out an offense that — on paper — could be fun to watch if the offensive line upgrades in free agency coalesce.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the team and eager to start working. I’ve known Jahan for a while, given we’re about the same age. Terry’s achievements at the next level are inspiring. The team has an excellent running back in Brian Robinson. Along with Austin Ekeler, these guys are highly explosive players. The team also welcomed new additions like Zach Ertz,” Daniels expressed. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to learn how to be a professional. I can’t wait to start working and meet my new teammates.”

At LSU, Daniel starred in former offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s spread system that stretched the field. The traits he showed in that attack should fit splendidly with Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Daniels’ splash-play ability fits nicely with Kingsbury’s style, and his elusive running skills should open things up for the offense, as Kyler Murray did in Arizona.

Initiating a new era, the Commanders identified their future icon, a versatile powerhouse with electrifying abilities and the potential to evolve into the most formidable player in the draft if he reaches his full potential.

“Daniels expressed his excitement and confidence about joining the new regime. He is eager to contribute to a culture change and assist the team in winning in every possible way. He plans to put in hard work and let the journey unfold naturally,” he stated.