NFL Mock Draft: Commanders Get New Face of the Franchise
With such significant cap space, the Washington Commanders were big players in free agency, as Dan Quinn and the front office built a roster that they hoped would be capable of being contenders in the NFC East.
Offensively, the Commanders fortified the offensive line with Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti while also bringing in Austin Ekeler and Marcus Mariota. Defensively, Dorance Armstrong, Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner, and Dante Folwer Jr. were signed as both sides of the ball were strengthened.
Now, with an eye toward the draft, CBS Sports has Washington putting a neat bow on their offseason work by taking LSU's Jayden Daniels.
"Washington is going to take a rookie quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft," CBS Sports writes. "The only question is whether it will be Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye. In this scenario, they take a more mobile Daniels to be the face of the franchise."
Quarterback Jayden Daniels 5 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.
SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
Daniels will walk into a Commanders offense that has made moves to help ease the pressure on his shoulders.
Ekeler, as the change-up back with Brian Robinson, to complement receivers Terry Mclaurin and Jahan Dotson, gives Daniels several options. The offensive line, which was one of the worst last season, gets a three-time Super Bowl winner (Allegretti) and a center with three years of starting experience.
The Commanders only averaged 19.4 points per game last season (ranked 25th), with Sam Howell leading Eric Bieniemy's offense.
Now, with an upgrade at running back and offensive line, Washington has the pieces to take its game up a notch. With Daniels being a supreme passer and dangerous on the ground, the Commanders' offense has a new dimension that hasn't been seen for years.
Washington did its best in free agency to address the most pressing needs for the roster and give Daniels the best chance of succeeding as the franchise enters a new and exciting era.
Now, it all has to come together.
