NFL Draft 2024: Commanders pick Heisman-winner Jayden Daniels
The Washington Commanders selected LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels Thursday with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 25: Jayden Daniels poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected second overall by the Washington Commanders during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 20
Leading up to the draft, Daniels was rumored to be the franchise's favorite signal-caller and the prospect most poised to take on the starting role.
Asked a few times about speculation that he doesn’t want to play for Washington and whether he prefers going to another team, Daniels understandably took a diplomatic approach one day before the NFL draft.
"I’m blessed to go wherever I’m called," Daniels told the Associated Press Wednesday. "Whoever calls my phone, whoever gives the card to the Commissioner that says my name, I’m blessed to go and they’re gonna get my all."
Pressed further about the Commanders and asked if he’d be OK going there, Daniels replied: "100%."
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 25: Jayden Daniels celebrates after being selected second overall by the Washington Commanders during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo
New Commanders coach Dan Quinn hired former Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury to be the offensive coordinator. Kingsbury had some success with dual-threat QB Kyler Murray in Arizona and previously with Patrick Mahomes and Johnny Manziel in college.
"Obviously, his track record with mobile quarterbacks speaks for itself," Daniels said. "I’ve been familiar with Kliff."
In 2023, Daniels led the LSU tigers to a 10-3 record and was the winner of the Heisman Trophy becoming the third player in LSU history to win the Heisman, joining Joe Burrow (2019) and Billy Cannon (1959). He threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and rushed for 1,134 yards with 10 rushing touchdowns. Daniels was named National Player of the Year by the Associated Press and the Sporting News and earned First Team All-American honors by the Associated Press, FWAA, AFCA and Sporting News.
Moments after Daniels was drafted, Commanders co-owner Magic Johnson posted via X: "I’m so thrilled and excited to welcome Jayden Daniels to the Commanders family! I’m looking forward to all the wins we will celebrate this season and years to come with you as our leader. I know you’ll lead our franchise not only as our quarterback, but also in the locker room and the DMV community!"
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
NFL Draft: Commanders eyeing Heisman winner Jayden Daniels with No. 2 pick
The NFL Draft is just over a week away, but the action is already ramping up in the DMV. As the Commanders host dozens of draft prospects, there's a good chance their quarterback is in town right now. FOX 5's Josh Rosenthal reports from FedExField with the story.