How the Washington Commanders were revitalized by selecting former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels

How the Washington Commanders Were Revitalized by Selecting Former LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels

The Washington Commanders, a franchise with a long and storied history, have faced their fair share of ups and downs in recent years. From coaching changes to quarterback controversies, the team has struggled to find consistency and long-term success. However, in what many analysts and fans consider a game-changing move, the Commanders made a bold selection in the NFL Draft: former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Daniels, who made a name for himself with the LSU Tigers as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football, has already shown glimpses of his potential to become a star in the NFL. With his athleticism, leadership, and impressive skill set, Daniels represents a new era for the Washington Commanders—one filled with hope, excitement, and the potential for revitalization.

In this article, we will examine how the selection of Jayden Daniels helped revitalize the Washington Commanders, the impact he is expected to have on the franchise, and what his presence means for the team’s future.

1. The Washington Commanders’ Struggles Prior to Selecting Daniels

Before diving into how Jayden Daniels changed the trajectory of the Commanders, it is crucial to understand the state of the franchise prior to his arrival. The team has spent the better part of the last few decades searching for a quarterback capable of leading them to success. From Robert Griffin III to Kirk Cousins, and more recently Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke, Washington has cycled through multiple quarterbacks without finding the elusive long-term answer.

The Commanders’ inability to settle on a consistent starting quarterback has been a major obstacle to their success. While the team has often boasted a solid defense, especially in recent years, their offensive struggles have held them back. Whether it was inconsistency at the quarterback position or a lack of playmaking ability at the skill positions, Washington’s offense has frequently stalled when it mattered most.

In 2022, the Commanders showed signs of life, but they fell short of making the playoffs. Quarterback play remained a major question mark, and despite the efforts of head coach Ron Rivera, the offense continued to sputter. With a relatively young and talented roster, there was a sense that Washington was just one key piece away from becoming a legitimate contender in the NFC.

2. Jayden Daniels: A Star in the Making at LSU

Enter Jayden Daniels, a quarterback who took college football by storm during his time at LSU. Daniels transferred to LSU from Arizona State and immediately made an impact, taking over as the starting quarterback for the Tigers and leading them to a successful season. Over the course of his college career, Daniels showcased the traits that would make him an appealing prospect to NFL teams: a strong arm, mobility, leadership, and an ability to make plays in big moments.

At LSU, Daniels quickly became known for his dual-threat ability. A quarterback who could make throws from the pocket but also escape pressure and extend plays with his legs, Daniels displayed versatility and poise under pressure. His passing numbers were impressive, but it was his ability to create opportunities with his legs—both through designed runs and scrambling—that set him apart from other quarterbacks in his draft class.

In 2023, Daniels was one of the top quarterbacks in college football, earning accolades and recognition for his performances. He threw for over 3,500 yards, rushed for over 600 yards, and accounted for a total of 40 touchdowns—solidifying his place as one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the nation. His ability to read defenses, his leadership on and off the field, and his ability to take over a game were attributes that made him a coveted prospect for the NFL.

3. The Washington Commanders’ Bold Move

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders made a move that surprised many—selecting Jayden Daniels in the first round. The decision to pick Daniels was seen by many as a bold and strategic move by the Commanders, who recognized the opportunity to finally secure a quarterback with both the talent and potential to lead the team for years to come.

The Commanders’ front office and coaching staff were likely drawn to Daniels’ combination of physical tools and mental makeup. With a powerful arm, quick decision-making ability, and an ability to run the football effectively, Daniels offered a skill set that could be molded into a true NFL star. In selecting Daniels, Washington took a calculated risk with the hopes that he would be the catalyst for the franchise’s resurgence.

The decision to select Daniels was also seen as a reflection of the Commanders’ long-term vision. While many teams opt for short-term fixes or veterans at quarterback, the Commanders chose to invest in a young, dynamic talent who could provide stability at the position for years to come. For a franchise that had struggled to find consistent play at quarterback, Daniels represented hope and a clear path forward.

4. The Impact of Jayden Daniels on the Washington Commanders

From the moment Daniels was selected by the Washington Commanders, the franchise experienced a shift in energy. Fans, who had long been frustrated by the team’s inability to find a true quarterback of the future, were energized by the pick. Daniels was viewed as the long-awaited solution to Washington’s quarterback conundrum, a player who could lead the team to future playoff appearances and, ultimately, Super Bowl contention.

Improved Offense and Leadership

The first and most immediate impact Daniels has had on the Commanders is the improvement of their offense. While the team had pieces in place, including a strong receiving corps with players like Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, the offensive playcalling had been held back by inconsistent quarterback play. With Daniels under center, the Commanders’ offense became more dynamic and explosive.

Daniels’ ability to read defenses, adjust on the fly, and make both pinpoint throws and calculated runs opened up a whole new dimension to Washington’s attack. No longer was the team reliant on short passes and conservative playcalling; instead, they could stretch the field vertically and create mismatches with Daniels’ athleticism.

Additionally, Daniels brought a level of leadership and confidence to the Commanders that had been lacking at the quarterback position in previous years. As a four-year starter at LSU, Daniels had the experience and maturity to command a huddle and be the face of the franchise. His ability to motivate his teammates and keep them focused in high-pressure situations was immediately evident.

Developing Chemistry with Offensive Weapons

One of the key benefits of having a dynamic quarterback like Jayden Daniels is his ability to develop chemistry with his receiving corps. Daniels wasted no time building rapport with the team’s top wide receivers, including McLaurin, Dotson, and Curtis Samuel. His precise throws and ability to read defenses allowed these wideouts to flourish in new ways, creating explosive plays that kept defenses on their toes.

Moreover, Daniels’ mobility added an extra layer of unpredictability to Washington’s offense. Defenders had to account for his ability to extend plays and scramble, which in turn opened up lanes for his receivers. His dual-threat ability forced opposing defenses to make difficult decisions—do they focus on containing Daniels as a runner, or do they dedicate resources to covering the wide receivers?

This balance between Daniels’ arm and legs transformed Washington into a more dangerous and unpredictable offense. The ability to mix in designed quarterback runs with deep throws made the Commanders difficult to defend against, keeping defensive coordinators guessing each week.

A New Offensive Identity

With Jayden Daniels at the helm, the Commanders were able to adopt a new offensive identity—one built on versatility, speed, and adaptability. Washington’s offense became more up-tempo, using quick passes and the threat of the run game to keep defenses off balance. Under Daniels, the team began to take calculated risks, utilizing the quarterback’s skills to attack defenses in different ways. This transformation gave the Commanders a newfound edge, and as the season progressed, it became clear that they were a team to watch in the NFC.

The Commanders also focused on tailoring the offense to fit Daniels’ strengths. Instead of forcing him to run a traditional NFL offense, the coaching staff implemented plays that played to his dual-threat ability. Daniels’ ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground made the offense unpredictable, and as a result, the Commanders became one of the more exciting teams in the league.

5. Playoff Contention and Long-Term Success

While it may be too early to predict long-term success, the Commanders, with Jayden Daniels at the helm, are poised to contend for playoff spots in the coming seasons. The combination of Daniels’ skills and the Commanders’ already-strong defense gives the team a foundation for success.

In the 2025 season, the Commanders’ offensive resurgence under Daniels helped them push for a wild card berth, with many analysts forecasting them as a potential NFC playoff team. The team’s defense remained one of the top units in the league, and with Daniels continuing to develop as a quarterback, the Commanders’ future looked bright.

In the years to come, Washington could become a perennial contender in the NFC. With Daniels as their leader, the Commanders have a quarterback who not only has the physical tools but also the leadership and mentality to bring a championship to the nation’s capital.