Commanders Find Franchise Quarterback in ESPN's Latest Mock Draft

The Washington Commanders learned in 2023 that Sam Howell wasn't the answer at quarterback. Mel Kiper attempted to identify who would be in his latest mock draft.

The Washington Commanders entered the uninspiring tunnel of a lame-duck season and came out on the other side. For that, they will have the opportunity to truly hit the reset button.

New general manager Adam Peters has won over the hearts of the fanbase. The head coaching search has continued, and with the attractiveness of a proper rebuild and quality leadership, strong candidates continue to be interviewed. Both Peters and his paramount hire will play a role in using the crown jewel of the franchise – the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

In a class with multiple strong quarterbacks, landing a top-three pick has all but guaranteed one is coming to Washington. However lucrative receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. or tackles Olu Fashanu and Joe Alt may be, the Commanders need a franchise quarterback and are in the position to take one.

LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) calls for the ball against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes (34) during the second half at Tiger Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

It’s just a matter of who they’ll pick.

In ESPN’s latest mock draft, Washington made a pick that has grown less surprising as the draft cycle continues. Mel Kiper has the Commanders calling Louisiana State quarterback Jayden Daniels and making him the second-overall pick.

Daniels is a newer entry into the draft discussion, ascending this past season to the heights of a Heisman Trophy. Meanwhile, USC’s Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye have long been considered the top two passers in this class. That doesn’t make Daniels any less dangerous.

“The bottom line is it’s tight between Daniels and Maye on my board,” Kiper wrote. “But Daniels would be a tremendous fit for a Washington roster that has some young playmakers on offense. Maye’s inconsistency at the end of the season is enough for me to put Daniels at No. 2.”

That sounds a lot like Maye’s doing and not Daniels, but winning the award for being the best player in college football earns him a fair shot. Daniels is incredibly athletic – evidenced by his 1,134 rushing yards in 2023 – but isn’t some gimmick quarterback. He works well within structure, has enough arm talent to keep himself afloat, and manages to create explosive plays without putting the ball in harm’s way.

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After months of Maye and Williams being mocked to the Commanders, it may feel unsettling to see a new name atop Washington’s hypothetical board. However, Daniels’ play and his projectable traits are more than enough for a team to give the keys to.

Daniels’ athletic ability is far and away the best this quarterback class can offer, and in a league that has become increasingly predicated on breaking the mold, he gives the Commanders options that most offenses can only envy.