Insider doubles down on Commanders prediction at No. 2 overall

Respected insider Adam Schefter doubled down on his belief that the Washington Commanders will draft Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall.

Despite some false speculation claiming Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders didn't hit it off in opening engagements during the pre-draft process, those in power still have the quarterback firmly in their sights. Others are being considered at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the LSU prospect remains the favorite among sportsbooks and most media analysts with a few short weeks remaining until the big night.

Adam Schefter of ESPN was arguably the most notorious name to publicly declare his belief Daniels was heading to Washington. Nothing has been confirmed as yet and the Commanders aren't giving anything away at this juncture. But when the senior insider with deep connections around the league talks, people tend to pay attention.

Belief remains around Commanders picking Jayden Daniels

On the latest edition of his podcast, Schefter doubled down on the prospect of Daniels being the second quarterback off the board once Caleb Williams goes No. 1 to the Chicago Bears, although he acknowledged something could change. This leaves the New England Patriots next on the clock with the choice between Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy.

"We created some waves by saying that the signs pointed to Jayden Daniels going to Washington at number two. I still will stand behind that. The signs continue to point to Jayden Daniels going number two to Washington. So if we created some waves last week, here's some more waves. We're standing behind it right now. We'll see if anything changes over these last two weeks, and that would mean Caleb Williams goes one, Jayden Daniels goes two. And that would bring us to New England, which I think would have a decision to make as to whether it would take either Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy."

- Adam Schefter, ESPN

Daniels is scheduled to spend considerable time with Washington's influential figures next week. Schefter reported that the Heisman Trophy winner will visit the nation's capital on Monday through Tuesday. This will likely involve medical testing, schematic discussions with the coaching staff, and perhaps even a private workout. After that, the Commanders should have a broad perception of what the player could potentially bring to the organization on and off the field.

This is an important decision for Peters. Perhaps the most pivotal he'll ever make as Commanders' general manager. Being thorough and covering every possible base should stand him in good stead. He's also got vast experience in front offices before joining Washington, which adds an extra layer of confidence from a fan perspective.

If the pick is Daniels, he boasts the game-changing traits needed to take the NFL by storm. He's an accomplished passer with the elusiveness and speed to become a significant dual threat. While concerns about his durability at the next level cannot be ignored, these risks can be minimized through coaching up elements such as sliding.

Fans are getting analysis paralysis. The process is becoming tiresome for most and speculation without concrete facts attached can become frustrating. It's also something not typically associated with the Commanders after leaks aplenty during the Dan Snyder years.

For the Commanders, it's about staying the course. There is light at the end of the lengthy evaluation tunnel. If this ends up with Daniels, he might just be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Not long to go…