The Washington Commanders have plenty of reasons to be excited about the future: a new owner, a new general manager, a new head coach, more than 20 new free agents and a highly touted draft class led by a dynamic quarterback.
All of these reasons should excite fans. But quarterback Jayden Daniels is the biggest reason for optimism in 2024 and beyond.
The second overall pick comes from a franchise with a solid core of talent and a coaching staff built to aid his development. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is a former college quarterback, college and NFL coach. New assistant coach/passing game coordinator Brian Johnson is a former college quarterback and NFL offensive coordinator. Quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard and assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough both started at quarterback in college.
Furthermore, Daniels’ expected backup is himself a former No. 2 overall pick: Marcus Mariota.
Pro Football Focus recently provided cause for optimism for all 32 NFL teams. The PFF chose Daniels for the Commanders:
Washington selected LSU’s Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in this year’s draft. He is the face of a new regime that has revamped its squad with the hope of competing sooner rather than later.
Daniels enters the NFL as one of the best athletes at the quarterback position. He led all FBS quarterbacks in overall grade and rushing yards last season, finishing second in passing grade. He also holds the Power Five record with a career turnover-worthy play rate of 1.6% (minimum 600 drops). The Commanders finally have a franchise quarterback.
The bottom line: The Commanders finally have a franchise quarterback. That statement alone is enough to create genuine excitement for long-suffering fans. However, most fans also proceed with caution. They saw others who were supposed to be the saviors of the franchise.
This time, it’s different, however. Of course, there is no guarantee of success for Daniels. But it won’t be because the organization set you up for failure. And with your talent and work ethic combined with the organization doing everything possible to support your development, you like your chances.
