How Drafting Former LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels Revived the Washington Commanders
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, few positions are more critical to the success of a franchise than the quarterback. A great quarterback can turn a team’s fortunes around almost overnight, while a poor one can condemn even the most talented rosters to mediocrity. For the Washington Commanders, the quarterback position has long been a source of frustration and uncertainty. Since their last Super Bowl appearance in the early 1990s, the team has struggled to find consistent play under center. However, in a bold move that could change the trajectory of the franchise, the Commanders selected Jayden Daniels, the former LSU quarterback, in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Daniels’ arrival in Washington has brought a new sense of hope and excitement to the Commanders’ fanbase. After years of trying various quarterbacks with limited success, the drafting of Daniels could finally bring the stability and star power the Commanders have longed for. This article will explore how Jayden Daniels’s talent, leadership, and versatility have already begun to revive the Washington Commanders, offering a glimpse into the team’s future.
The Commanders’ Struggles at Quarterback
For the Commanders, the quarterback position has been an area of consistent instability for nearly three decades. From Mark Rypien, who led the team to their last Super Bowl victory in 1991, to Robert Griffin III, who showed flashes of brilliance but never sustained success, the team has never been able to settle on a franchise quarterback. Over the years, Washington has cycled through multiple signal-callers, but none have been able to provide long-term success or consistency.
After RG3’s early promise, the Commanders drafted quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Dwayne Haskins, neither of whom could bring the team back to prominence. After trading for quarterbacks like Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke, Washington found itself in yet another season of quarterback uncertainty.
By the time the 2025 NFL Draft arrived, the Commanders were once again facing a pivotal crossroads. The franchise needed a quarterback who could not only stabilize the position but also elevate the team to playoff contention. Enter Jayden Daniels.
The Rise of Jayden Daniels at LSU
Before being selected by Washington, Jayden Daniels enjoyed an outstanding career at LSU, where he quickly established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in college football. Daniels transferred to LSU in 2023 after starting his career at Arizona State, where he displayed glimpses of brilliance but lacked the consistent success that he achieved with the Tigers. Under head coach Brian Kelly, Daniels flourished, leading LSU to an SEC championship and a place in the College Football Playoff.
Throughout his time at LSU, Daniels demonstrated exceptional dual-threat ability, combining his passing accuracy with his ability to make plays on the ground. As a pocket passer, Daniels showed significant improvement over his three seasons with LSU, especially in terms of his timing, poise, and decision-making. His development as a passer, paired with his natural athleticism, made him a rare prospect who could succeed in both traditional passing schemes and those that require improvisation.
In 2024, Daniels threw for over 3,500 yards, completing 70% of his passes while also rushing for over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. He proved to be a versatile quarterback capable of making every throw in the book, and his ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs made him an ideal fit for the modern NFL. His leadership on and off the field helped elevate LSU, and by the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolled around, Daniels was considered one of the top quarterback prospects available.
Why Jayden Daniels Was the Right Pick for Washington
The Washington Commanders’ front office, led by general manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Ron Rivera, recognized the talent and potential in Jayden Daniels early on. While many teams in the draft class were focused on traditional pocket passers, Washington understood that Daniels’ dual-threat ability offered a dynamic that could transform their offense.
Unlike previous quarterbacks Washington had cycled through, Daniels brought a unique skill set to the table. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make quick decisions under pressure aligned perfectly with the Commanders’ offensive philosophy. The team already boasted a solid collection of offensive weapons, including running back Antonio Gibson, wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, and a solid offensive line. What the Commanders were missing was a quarterback who could unlock their full potential and elevate their offense. Daniels’ ability to create plays both inside and outside the pocket gave Washington the opportunity to finally develop a high-powered, versatile offense that could compete in the NFC East.
Additionally, Daniels’ leadership qualities were a major factor in his selection. Throughout his time at LSU, he demonstrated a calm and composed demeanor, often rallying his team in high-pressure situations. This is a quality the Commanders needed in a quarterback, especially with a roster that has often lacked the necessary leadership to push through difficult moments. Daniels’ confidence and poise would serve as a foundation for a new era in Washington.
Immediate Impact: Injecting Energy into the Commanders’ Offense
As soon as Jayden Daniels arrived in Washington, it was clear that his presence had an immediate impact on the team. His charisma, leadership, and skill set breathed new life into the franchise, particularly in the offensive meeting rooms. Daniels quickly gained the respect of his teammates, not just through his performance on the field but also through his work ethic and dedication to mastering the playbook.
During his rookie training camp, Daniels demonstrated the qualities that made him such an attractive prospect in the first place. His accuracy as a passer was evident, with pinpoint throws to all areas of the field. Moreover, his ability to extend plays with his legs and escape pressure added a new dimension to Washington’s offense that had previously been missing. While some rookie quarterbacks struggle with the speed and complexity of the NFL, Daniels’ adjustment was relatively smooth, a testament to his readiness for the next level.
One of the most exciting aspects of Daniels’ game is his ability to make quick, decisive decisions in crucial moments. In several preseason games, Daniels showed his poise in the pocket, calmly surveying the field and making the right read. His ability to take what the defense gives him—whether it’s a short completion or a well-timed scramble—was evident in his early outings.
In the regular season, Daniels’ influence was felt immediately. In his debut against a tough division rival, the Dallas Cowboys, Daniels threw for 250 yards and rushed for 50 yards, guiding the Commanders to a hard-fought victory. His ability to keep the defense off balance with both his arm and legs allowed Washington’s offense to find rhythm and flow, something they had sorely lacked in previous seasons.
Developing Chemistry with Weapons
The success of a young quarterback often depends on the talent around him, and Jayden Daniels was fortunate to inherit an offense filled with dynamic playmakers. The Commanders’ receiving corps, led by Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel, provided Daniels with the necessary weapons to thrive. His ability to distribute the ball to all areas of the field allowed Washington’s passing attack to become more unpredictable and difficult to defend.
Daniels’ quick release and anticipation made it easier for the receivers to get open and make plays. The rapport he developed with McLaurin, the team’s top target, was particularly promising. McLaurin’s ability to track deep passes and make difficult catches in traffic perfectly complemented Daniels’ ability to deliver precise throws on the move.
In addition to his work in the passing game, Daniels’ ability to extend plays with his legs was critical in keeping defenses honest. His scrambling ability not only allowed him to pick up first downs but also opened up opportunities for big plays downfield as defenses scrambled to cover both Daniels and the wide receivers.
Reviving the Washington Commanders’ Playoff Hopes
By midseason, it became clear that Jayden Daniels had revitalized the Washington Commanders. Under his leadership, the offense became a well-oiled machine, consistently putting up big numbers and keeping opposing defenses on their heels. With Daniels at the helm, the Commanders had a legitimate shot at making a deep playoff run.
Washington’s defense, led by stars like Chase Young and Jonathan Allen, remained strong, and Daniels’ ability to keep opposing defenses off balance allowed the team to play complementary football. The Commanders began to win close games, often finding themselves in position to close out opponents in the fourth quarter—something they had struggled with in recent years.
By the end of the 2025 season, the Commanders found themselves in the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, with Daniels leading the charge. The dynamic playmaking ability of the young quarterback, combined with the strength of the team’s defense and offensive weapons, made the Commanders a team to watch in the postseason.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Commanders with Jayden Daniels
As the 2025 NFL season draws to a close, one thing is clear: Jayden Daniels has revitalized the Washington Commanders. His talent, leadership, and versatility have injected new life into the team, making them a legitimate playoff contender once again. Daniels’ ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs has given Washington the balance and unpredictability they’ve been seeking for years. With a bright future ahead, Daniels’ arrival in Washington could mark the beginning of a new era of success for the Commanders—one that could eventually bring them back to the promised land of championship contention.
