QB Jayden Daniels 'Going to Make Plays' for Washington Commanders, Says Coach Brian Kelly

The Washington Commanders were in attendance at Jayden Daniels' Pro Day where his college coach made an interesting statement.

Dec 9, 2023; New York, New York, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (right) poses for photos / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Commanders spent all week telling media they haven't made a decision yet on who they're picking with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Commanders brass was also busy this week attending LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels' Pro Day in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where WUSA9's Chick Hernandez got coach Brian Kelly on record saying something that has peaked a lot of interest.

"This is a guy that is a pro this past year and the way he took care of himself," Kelly told Hernandez when asked about Daniels. "You're not going to have to worry about him. He is going to be so committed to taking care of himself that you're not going to have to worry about size or he doesn't weigh enough. (Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's) done a pretty good job with his size. I think (Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick) Mahomes, I wouldn't consider him a giant - because he's going to get the ball out to the playmakers and make plays for Washington."

Dec 9, 2023; New York, New York, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (right) poses for photos / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It's that last part that really caught the attention of folks, especially on social media, where Kelly seems to either confirm or predict where Daniels will start his NFL career.

Here at Commander Country we think this is a coach doing a good job of helping his player and himself a bit at the same time.

If you've heard the theory about speaking good fortune into existence, we believe this is what coach Kelly is trying to do for Daniels. While not a revelation of inside information on the Commanders' draft plans, the coach is looking to cement the idea his player will become the No. 2 overall pick this April.

Of course, there's the added bonus of going to recruit homes and telling parents he helped a transfer quarterback from a failing conference win the Heisman Trophy and become the second quarterback taken in the 2024 NFL Draft, and that's no consolation prize.

It would be a lot sexier if indeed Kelly were giving away 'state secrets' as coach Dan Quinn referred to them, but that is not what we believe to be happening here.

Still, it's pretty fun to hear someone talk about Daniels making plays for Washington as a reality instead of possibility.

Just as we might soon get to, for real next time.