Ranking every Commanders pick from the 2024 NFL Draft

2. Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

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

After months of speculation and assessments, the Washington Commanders settled with conviction on Jayden Daniels being their next franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Adam Peters stated this was the direction he was heading from a long way out, but going through the process to make sure he was doing the right thing was a wise approach.

Daniels looks like a game-changing presence under center. He goes through his reads effectively and has enough arm strength to make effortless throws with velocity all over the field. No occasion is big enough for the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU, who rises to high-pressure situations and is someone others can follow.

There's also Daniels' phenomenal escapability and ability to conjure magic on the ground to consider. He's got blistering speed for a quarterback and displays elusiveness with the football in his hands. Once the Commanders teach the signal-caller to better avoid contact, this will be a significant asset to call upon.

The early signs are promising with Daniels. There's an aura and confidence that fans are already gravitating towards, but getting off to a positive start is crucial.

1. Johnny Newton - Commanders DL

• Defensive Line | Illinois Fighting Illi
• Round No. 2 | No. 36 overall

It would have to be something special to take Jayden Daniels off the top of this list. However, the biggest stroke of good luck imaginable came to the Washington Commanders' door early in the second round.

Most analysts had defensive lineman Johnny Newton as a top 10-15 selection heading into the draft. Some had him even higher than that following a dominant college career at Illinois where he emerged into one of college football's biggest disruptors.

Teams seemed to be put off by his recent injury. Couple this with the run on quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive tackles in the first round, Newton fell out of the top 32 picks entirely.

This was an opportunity Adam Petes wasn't going to waste. He didn't hesitate to take Newton despite already having Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne as their starting defensive tackle tandem. While it was surprising, the best way to enhance such an extensive rebuild is by taking the best prospects available without worrying about need.

If Newton continues his game-wrecking credentials in the pros with an extra sense of motivation, the Commanders will have the steal of the draft. That's not up for discussion.