Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Making moves edition

Commanders draft Jayden Daniels

• Quarterback | LSU Tigers
• Round No. 1 | No. 2 overall

The biggest indicator of the Washington Commanders drafting a quarterback was their recent moves at the position. First, they signed Marcus Mariota to a short-term contract to be the backup. Second, they traded 2023 starter Sam Howell, No. 102 overall, and No. 179 overall to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for selections No. 78 and No. 152.

This gives the Commanders more ammunition in the first three rounds to add numerous potential Week 1 contributors and future starters. But first, they must address who the future of the franchise will be. Momentum is building around Jayden Daniels, one of the favorites to be the No. 2 overall pick.

Daniels comes into the league with a unique path and the accolades to match. After spending time at Arizona State - where he flashed his talent on occasion - he transferred to LSU in 2022. This past season, the dynamic signal-caller won the Heisman Trophy after totaling nearly 5,000 yards of total offense and 50 combined touchdowns. The film, in plenty of ways, also solidifies his phenomenal campaign.

The former four-star high school recruit has a knack for making big plays. Daniels is a legitimate rushing threat that will make you pay if he is given space to run. Not only that, he can beat you with his arm, too. He is a great processor and offers incredible deep ball ability due to layering and touch, while his accuracy is among the best in this draft class.

He figures to be a fit in Kliff Kingsbury's offense, which will allow him to spread the ball around. While everyone has a preference for who the Commanders should take, neither Daniels nor Drake Maye would be bad choices.

Commanders trade back into Round No. 1

The Commanders have enough assets to move back into the first round. Adam Peters makes a deal with Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions, sending No. 36 overall, No. 67 overall, and No. 139 overall for No. 29 overall.

This allows Washington to add another potential cornerstone piece to either side of the ball while having the benefit of another fifth-year option.