NFL Mock Draft: Washington Commanders Land Offensive Trio

The Washington Commanders went all in on fixing their offense in ESPN's latest mock draft.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium. / SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA

With three picks in the top 40 of the 2024 NFL Draft, there are many different ways the Washington Commanders can go after likely taking their quarterback of the future with the No. 2 overall pick.

Do they take the quarterback and then focus on fixing a defense that was last in points and yards allowed per game last season? Or do they go all in on setting up a rookie quarterback for success?

In ESPN's latest mock draft, it chose the latter, as the Commanders drafted LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall and later got him a weapon and protection with FSU receiver Keon Coleman and Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul. It also had the Commanders trading back with the Las Vegas Raiders, as they moved back from No. 36 overall to No. 44.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium. / SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA

Daniels is the quarterback who has long been connected to Washington and may very well be the best fit in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's offense with his mobility. Daniels did it all in his senior season en route to winning the Heisman Trophy, as he threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four touchdowns. He was just as explosive on the ground, running for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.

"Forecasting who the Commanders will take is a bit trickier, as the team has not tipped its hand in any meaningful way," ESPN writes. "So I'll go with Daniels, the second-ranked player on my board regardless of position, to replace Sam Howell after his trade to Seattle. Daniels was the best player in college football last season, winning the Heisman Trophy, and he blends rare mobility with excellent pocket passing. He averaged more rushing yards per carry (8.4) than any other FBS player in 2023 and led the nation in QBR (95.6)."

In Coleman, Daniels would have an explosive weapon who can make contested catches both by leaping over defenders and with his play strength. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound receiver would also add size to a receiving room that lacks it. Coleman caught 50 passes for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Seminoles in 2023.

"Washington has Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, but Coleman would add a size element (6-foot-3, 213 pounds) to this group for the Commanders' rookie QB," ESPN writes. "His ability to win in contested-catch situations would go a long way in the red zone, and he is coming off an 11-TD season at Florida State."

In Paul, the Commanders would be adding Daniels' blindside protector. The 6-foot-7, 332-pound offensive tackle was a second-team All-American by ESPN and The Athletic and made the first-team in the Big 12 conference. He also had a 91.5 pass-blocking grade by Pro Football Focus, making him a more than welcome addition to a Commanders offensive line that allowed the second-most sacks (65) in the league last season.

"We got the Commanders a new quarterback (Daniels) and receiver (Coleman), but what about the protection?" ESPN writes. "Washington allowed 65 sacks in 2023, tied for second-most. Paul is massive at 6-foot-7 and 332 pounds with 36-inch arms, making him a challenge to get around in pass protection. Also, he'd get to play with his older brother, Chris, a guard for Washington."