Jayden Daniels is drawing rave reviews and deserved plaudits after a sensational rookie campaign. There are other factors behind the Washington Commanders' renaissance, but his remarkable rise to superstardom can provide the spark that ignites this franchise back into perennial contention.
That's how special Daniels is. He's a ruthless closer with an aura players and coaches naturally gravitate towards. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is also among the big reasons why Washington is going to be an attractive destination for free agents and draft prospects throughout the spring.
One player is already making alluring glances in the team's direction. Someone who would be a significant asset to the passing game as Daniels looks to take his game to greater heights in the coming years.
Luther Burden III pushing hard for Commanders' consideration in the 2025 NFL Draft
Luther Burden III's social media activity suggests he'd relish the prospect of joining the Commanders. Two separate comments on posts around Daniels provide a not-so-subtle hint. They're more akin to a come-and-get-me plea.
Missouri WR Luther Burden III under Jayden Daniels’ IG post:
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) January 1, 2025
“Let’s do it 👌🏾”
👀🍿
(H:t:@BleedinBnG) pic.twitter.com/BzBSZNfCxm
Missouri WR Luther Burden III leaves another reply, this time under a Jayden Daniels & Terry McLaurin Pro Bowl post with the caption:
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) January 2, 2025
“J5🤞🏾”
👀🍿 pic.twitter.com/maGsqTdsrm
Burden is one of the best wide receivers coming out of the collegiate ranks this year. He's gone through a down year of sorts at Missouri, but the talent is undeniable.
The Commanders will be in the market for receiving help throughout the offseason. Terry McLaurin is in contention for All-Pro honors after benefitting greatly from Daniels' presence under center. Olamide Zaaccheaus and Noah Brown have flashed, but both are out of contract. Jamison Crowder is dependable enough and rookie third-rounder Luke McCaffrey is being brought along gradually as anticipated.
General manager Adam Peters has to maximize Daniels' rookie contract. Going after a big name with proven production in free agency cannot be completely dismissed considering the salary-cap space available. The Commanders want to build through the draft, so acquiring a blue-chip prospect early in the process might be high on their list of priorities.
Burden boasts better credentials than most. Unfortunately for the gifted wide receiver, where he ends up is out of his hands.
Teams dictate that. They hold the cards. Unless they have the NFL pull of the Mannings, forcing the issue is out of the question. Burden just has to hope he falls far enough to enter the Commanders' train of thought.
That could go either way right now. The Commanders are picking in the lower echelons of the first round after making the playoffs. They could drop further depending on how far they go in the knockout rounds.
Burden's athletic attributes should test extremely well during the assessment phase. He's got a mid-to-low first-round projection currently, but there's a good chance his stock increases before the big night.
Regardless of whether it's Burden or someone else, players will covet the Commanders. This franchise is on the up with Daniels leading the charge. The culture shift implemented by head coach Dan Quinn galvanized everybody. It's gone from a toxic environment to one of hope and rejuvenation in the blink of an eye.
Things are looking up at long last. Burden recognizes it and wants to be part of this exciting project. He won't be alone in that regard.