Commanders Land Quarterback of the Future in NFL Mock Draft

The Washington Commanders are starting fresh and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels might be the NFL Draft pick needed to take them into the future.

With a new duo of advisors in place Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris is shaking things up in a very real way.

Out is former Commanders coach Ron Rivera who spent four years trying to find a franchise-leading quarterback, landing on Sam Howell in his final season before being dismissed.

Howell showed promise early on but his sudden mental collapse in the final eight weeks or so has left many wanting Washington to target a new quarterback to go with new general manager Adam Peters and a soon-to-be hired head coach.

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

"(LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden) Daniels had an incredible 2023 season — he was the most dynamic quarterback in all college football," Marcus Mosher of 33rd Team wrote in his latest mock NFL Draft. "The Washington Commanders desperately need someone to make them exciting again, and Daniels could certainly do that."

Daniels fits the mold of a modern NFL quarterback who has arm strength and talent enough to make throws at the next level and the athleticism to escape trouble if it should come calling. Which it likely will considering the Commanders allowed a league-high 274 pressures this season. 

Of course, some of those pressures were on Howell himself who was sacked 65 times (another league high), but not all of them. 

Daniels, in his final season with the Tigers, was pressured 75 times and sacked 22. Of course, he played in 12 games compared to Howell's 17.

Still, when you break down the numbers Daniels faced pressure on 21 percent of his dropbacks while Howell's rate was much higher at 39 percent.

The question would be whether or not Daniels could hold up against that much pressure early in his career, or if he would collapse like many other young quarterbacks have before him. 

Sam Howell Reveals Mental Challenges as Commanders' Starter

If Washington's new general manager and head coach are going to hitch their wagon to a rookie quarterback they're going to need to get it right the first time.

As much excitement as their is about the new direction in Washington, the cheers will turn to boos quickly if this first gigantic move forward turns out to be a step in the wrong direction.