Could the Washington Commanders select Jayden Daniels to be their next franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft?
After signing veteran backup Marcus Mariota and trading Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks, the Washington Commanders nailed their flag to the mast. They will be adding a quarterback from No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's smoke and mirrors season, but nobody has any sort of tell about which way those in power are leaning.
Names are coming to the fore constantly. It looked for a long time as if Drake Maye was the consensus choice. More recently, J.J. McCarthy's surging stock has led many to believe he'll be the guy. There's also the small matter of Jayden Daniels' exceptional skill set to factor into the equation.
Daniels is the current clubhouse leader among sportsbooks to be the pick. His sensational final campaign at LSU which came with a Heisman Trophy placed him firmly under consideration. He's also got the sort of physical attributes that are easily transferable to the pros.
This is a franchise-altering conundrum the Commanders must solve. Dan Quinn and Adam Peters have towed the party line in front of the media. They both declared no formal conclusion has been reached and assessments are ongoing. That might be the case, but Washington cannot afford to whiff on this selection if they want to stand any chance of emerging from the NFL wilderness.
Momentum is everything at this time of year. Daniels has a ton of it and only enhanced his fortunes further during a solid throwing showcase at LSU's pro day. Whether it's enough to tip the scales is another matter.
Without further ado, we put on the tape and took a closer look at Daniels in this special scouting report.
Jayden Daniels scouting report
- Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 210 pounds
- Hand size: 9 1/4 inches | Arm length 31 5/8 inches
- Combine QB rank: 2nd | 2023 PFF grade: 94.7
Jayden Daniels came of age in 2023. His previous four years in college were solid if not spectacular. Whatever happened in the summer before competitive action arrived, it worked like a charm.
Daniels was nothing short of exceptional, displaying the sort of poise and big-game ability normally associated with productive NFL quarterbacks. He won the Heisman Trophy and deservedly so, but it was conjuring magic off-script that left the biggest impression.
The LSU prospect is a dual-threat force under center. Daniels has the pocket manipulation needed to keep defenses on their toes at all times and evade pressure seamlessly. He's comfortable throwing to all three levels of the field and also boasts a level of creativity through vision and explosive movement that's jaw-dropping.
If things aren't developing downfield as expected, Daniels has no trouble in taking off and gaining significant yards on the ground. It might be worth adding a little extra muscle mass if this is something he plans to continue at the next level. Becoming more efficient in going through his progressions would only help his transition.
Daniels is a fluid mover from dropbacks into his throwing motion. His mechanics are on point, which is matched by sound decision-making and extensive starting experience over five years. This has enhanced his leadership capabilities tremendously as the signal-caller looks to become a franchise player in the pros.
It's not all perfect. As previously mentioned, Daniels needs to go through his reads with more efficiency. The player's throwing motion could also use a little tightening up to avoid any unnecessary complications. Seeing over the middle is a concern raised by some, but this isn't the norm on his game tape.
Some kinks need to be worked out, but there is a lot to like about Daniels' potential to hit the ground running.
Next: How Jayden Daniels fits on the Commanders.
How would Jayden Daniels fit on the Commanders?
- Day 1 starter, potential franchise-caliber QB
Aside from Caleb Williams - who seems to be a lock to go No. 1 overall - Jayden Daniels is the most pro-ready quarterback in this year's class. After five years in college with extensive starting experience, it would be a surprise if he wasn't.
Daniels also looked tailor-made for the scheme normally implemented by new Washington Commanders' offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. He likes quarterbacks who are creative and can make something out of nothing. He's had Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray, and Williams. The LSU prospect fits this mold in no uncertain terms.
There are some concerns about whether Daniels has already peaked at 23 years old. Drake Maye is seen to have more long-term upside and J.J. McCarthy also has some untapped potential. This only adds to the level of confusion among analysts, the media, and those around the league about what the Commanders have planned.
Daniels has all the makings of a Day 1 starter with franchise-changing credentials. Some - including ESPN's analyst Dan Orlovsky - think the Chicago Bears would be better off taking him over Williams atop the draft. That seems unlikely, but his skill set might be difficult for the Commanders to pass up when they go on the clock.
If those in power select Daniels, it will bring a level of excitement to the quarterback position not seen since Robert Griffin III's rookie year. Some holes around the signal-caller need to be addressed, but Adam Peters is loaded with high-end selections to find long-term solutions to ongoing complications.
All signs point towards Daniels looking at talent, momentum, and his scheme fit. Other options are being considered, but this could be the man when push comes to shove.