The Washington Commanders were in a prime position at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Everyone, apart from one player, was seemingly on the table. Adam Peters made the right choice, taking quarterback Jayden Daniels to spearhead a new era of prosperity.
Of course, the one prospect who got crossed off pretty quickly was Caleb Williams. It was evident from a long way out that the Commanders never had a shot at bringing the Washington native back home. But in all honesty, Peters was probably going to avoid that temptation even if he had the No. 1 pick.
The Commanders had Daniels atop their board. Team insider Ben Standig also heard that J.J. McCarthy was higher than Williams after some extensive evaluations. And after the USC product's latest collapse on the primetime stage, it confirmed what fans have known all along.
Commanders should thank the Bears for ignoring Jayden Daniels
Peters was right to take Daniels. And everyone associated with the Commanders should send a big thank-you card to Bears general manager Ryan Poles for keying in on one player, ignoring all other possibilities.
Williams started Chicago's divisional matchup against the Minnesota Vikings well on Monday Night Football. He looked sharp and confident, giving the Bears a deserved lead at the break. It didn't take long for things to unravel after that.
Vikings defensive coordinator made the correct adjustments, and Williams looked like a different player. He struggled to process fast enough as pressure came from all angles. Minnesota seized the initiative, and McCarthy formally announced himself on the NFL stage by mounting a sensational comeback on the road.
This doesn't happen on Daniels' watch. The signal-caller gets better as games go on. Setbacks don't rattle him whatsoever. No matter the situation, he always finds a way. And if the Commanders give him a chance to come through in the clutch, he always delivers the goods.
That cannot be said of Williams. Not yet, anyway. He'll be just fine, but staying consistent for an entire game and improving his pre-snap reads is the next (and trickiest) challenge in his quest to reach some lofty expectations.
Daniels is streets ahead right now. His poise, football IQ, dynamism, and supreme composure took the league by storm. He's emerging as a leader and carries himself with a natural aura that everyone gets behind. Another leap this season will cement his status among the elite.
Williams might get there one day, but it's taking longer than expected. And sitting at No. 2 in last year's draft was a godsend from the Commanders' perspective.