There is a lot of speculation regarding LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels going No. 2 overall to the Washington Commanders in next month’s 2024 NFL draft.
Of course, some believe North Carolina’s Drake Maye will end up in Washington, while there are some who think Commanders general manager Adam Peters may surprise everyone and choose Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams will go No. 1 to the Chicago Bears, meaning the fun will begin at No. 2 with the Commanders. The speculation is fun, but no one knows which way Peters is leaning, who said earlier this week Washington doesn’t have a clue yet.
On Wednesday, Daniels had his pro day. By all accounts, he had a terrific performance. After his pro day, Daniels spoke with Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network, where he discussed a number of topics, including possibly being drafted by Washington.
“Yeah, a little bit,” Daniels said when asked if he’s had a chance to talk to Washington. “It’s a great feeling to be blessed enough to be picked that high. Obviously, what they’re doing is they’ve got a new regime and everything like that. As the process goes on, we’ll have more conversations with everything, but from there, it’s just getting into that work. Whoever drafts me, an organization that believes in me and thinks I can lead them to Super Bowls.”
You gotta give it to Daniels; he played it cool, saying all the right things.
“My versatility. Explosive plays are name of the game of football. Defenses try to limit explosive plays & explosive players. My resume speaks for itself.”
1-on-1 w/ LSU QB Jayden Daniels on QB1 debate, Commanders, Raiders, speed, more.
Watch Pro Day Special @nflnetwork 8pm ET. pic.twitter.com/Vx4PwviMXL
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 27, 2024
A native of San Bernardino, California, Daniels began his college career at Arizona State, where he played for three seasons. It was there that he met current Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, who was a linebackers coach/recruiting coordinator for the Sun Devils at the time. Pierce raved about Daniels earlier this week, and many believe the Raiders would love to move up from No. 13 to select Daniels, but that may be impossible.
Daniels didn’t even tip his hand about potentially reuniting with Pierce.
Whether Daniels lands in Washington or not, it’s doubtful that he slides past No. 3, where the New England Patriots select. The Patriots could either draft Daniels or auction the pick to the highest bidder.