Commanders make monumental statement by drafting Jayden Daniels

It's done.

After an arduous and aggressive search spanning several months, the Washington Commanders have a new franchise quarterback. Someone those in power genuinely believe can catapult them into a profitable new era of perennial contention in the coming years.

There was so much deliberation, hearsay, and everything in between throughout pre-draft assessments. Controversy was kept to a minimum thanks to general manager Adam Peters' new professional purpose across the football operation. This was a far cry from previous regimes and left reporters - both regional and national - feeling an unusual sense of frustration.

Commanders kickstart exciting new era with Jayden Daniels

They were finally put out of their misery when Jayden Daniels became their pick at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Much was made about whether the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU wanted to be part of this exciting project, with some speculating he'd rather go to the Las Vegas Raiders and link up with Antonio Pierce, who was on the signal-caller's staff at Arizona State. But none of that matters now.

Those around the league believed this was the path Washington would take some time ago. Nothing concrete came from anyone within the building, but the growing momentum was hard to ignore. This reached exponential levels a few short hours before the choice when sportsbooks slashed odds for Daniels after the Commanders came to a consensus agreement.

Nothing that came before is relevant. The Commanders and Daniels must move forward positively to ensure this significant investment pays off as many anticipate.

Daniels is an electrifying dual-threat quarterback. His arm strength can get the football to all three levels of the field effortlessly and with the correct velocity attached. He's a huge threat running with the football, although taking precautions to prevent any unnecessary punishment would be wise.

That's the biggest concern with Daniels. He's not the biggest or most physical quarterback considering his playing style. He's already taken steps to put on weight and muscle mass gradually. The Commanders should also have a strength and conditioning program ready to go. Aside from that, there are very few flaws to his game.

This is an exciting time for every Commanders fan. Peters choosing his franchise quarterback is another bold statement of intent about what sort of football product fans can expect to see. This will no longer be the mundane, bland on-field output suffered throughout the Ron Rivera years - this Washington team is going to be a unique blend of dynamism and physicality that's been sorely lacking.

Daniels will be tasked with spearheading this through quiet leadership and producing the goods when it matters most. He said whichever team he's blessed to land will get nothing but 100 percent commitment. The Commanders have complete faith - otherwise, they'd have gone in a different direction -, but hitting the ground running is critical when the time comes to ramp up the team's preparations for the upcoming campaign.

After years of scratching around in the draft's bargain basement, signing veterans past their prime in free agency, and gambling on desperate trades, the Commanders have genuine hope at football's most important position at long last. Daniels can ignite a sleeping giant and make himself a legitimate superstar in the nation's capital. An area that's been crying out for a football hero for what seems like a generation.

Getting drafted was the easy part for Daniels. Now, the hard work begins.