5 NFL Draft prospects who could reunite with Jayden Daniels on the Commanders

Jayden Daniels is a superstar. The Washington Commanders significantly improved in 2024 en route to the NFC Championship game. None were more pivotal to this team's future than finding a franchise quarterback at the first time of asking.

Daniels came into the Commanders with a fierce inner drive and exceptional work ethic. He won over coaches and veteran teammates quickly. It didn't take much longer for the Heisman Trophy winner to take the league by storm.

The 2024 NFL Draft's No. 2 overall pick displayed the poise, precision, and dynamic playmaking ability Washington hasn't had under center since Robert Griffin III. But this felt different, thanks in no small part to Daniels' flawless demeanor and his ability to come through when the stakes were highest.

Adam Peters recognized the need to build around Daniels this offseason. His two major splashes were trades on key offensive positions. Deebo Samuel Sr. adds another versatile, explosive presence to the wide receiver room. Laremy Tunsil is one of the league's most consistent left tackles — a one-man wall capable of keeping the blindside clear of pressure.

Washington could also add more familiarity by selecting those emerging from the college ranks who've worked with the signal-caller previously. With this in mind, here are five 2025 NFL Draft prospects who could reunite with Daniels on the Commanders.

2025 NFL Draft prospects who could reunite with Jayden Daniels on the Commanders

Commanders could draft Miles Frazier

The Washington Commanders don't have a desperate need on the offensive line right now. Laremy Tunsil's arrival is a game-changer, which will see Brandon Coleman move over to the right-hand side alongside veteran Andrew Wylie. Whether that'll be on the edge or onto the interior is another matter.

What separates the contending teams from the also-rans is they never settle. They are always looking for depth upgrades and potential starters at good prices along their trenches during the draft. That means the Commanders shouldn't dismiss the notion of adding another offensive lineman despite having just five picks currently.

Miles Frazier would be an intriguing addition. The interior force spent time protecting Jayden Daniels at LSU. He's got experience manning multiple spots but has thrived as a guard in college. His timing off the snap is superb, which is matched by the strength and athleticism to excel both as a pass protector and run blocker.

Improving the player's agility and ability to counter is only going to help his cause. Frazier has the chance to develop into a decent interior starter with the correct early development.

Commanders could draft Emery Jones Jr.

As mentioned previously, the Washington Commanders don't have the greatest need to fortify their offensive line. Adam Peters is confident with the options available, and Laremy Tunsil's presence should shift the pendulum positively. That won't stop the general manager from adding to the unit if an opportunity becomes available.

Tunsil will immediately go to the blindside. The five-time Pro Bowler is an elite pass protector and a crushing force in the run game. He's been among the league's best for a long time, so this acquisition has the scope to aid Jayden Daniels considerably in Year 2 of his professional career.

Brandon Coleman's transition to the right-hand side is crucial. Andrew Wylie is dependable but vulnerable on an island. He's also entering the final year of his deal, so drafting someone capable of filling the starting void in 2026 with some extra polish wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.

Emery Jones Jr. was a three-year starter at LSU with glowing credentials. He's not the best overall athlete, but he has the prototypical size, length, and aggression typically associated with productive NFL offensive tackles.

Jones needs to improve his footwork, although his strong base and power at the point of attack represent solid foundations from which to build. He's also got previously developed chemistry with Daniels, so there's a lot to like about this fit.

Commanders could draft Mason Taylor

The Commanders look pretty set at the tight-end spot entering 2025. Zach Ertz was rewarded for his exceptional production last time around with a new one-year deal. Hopes remain high that Ben Sinnott can increase his influence after being used sparingly as a rookie. John Bates got a longer-term commitment from the franchise to continue his role as the team's blocking specialist.

Much will depend on Sinnott's growth and how his potential is being perceived by those in power. Adding to the room shouldn't be entirely dismissed, especially if Mason Taylor falls far enough for him to be a high-value pick.

Adam Peters didn't have a need at defensive tackle entering the 2024 draft. That didn't stop him from taking Johnny Newton, who was the best prospect available on their board at No. 36 overall.

Taylor's crisp route running, dependable hands, and ability to create separation are transferable skills that typically go down well in the pros. He also caught 36 balls for 348 receiving yards and one touchdown from Jayden Daniels in 2023.

It's unlikely Taylor will last longer than the second round. The Commanders have other needs to fill, but Peters will always take the best prospect available and worry about the rest later.

Commanders could draft John Emery Jr.

The Washington Commanders held firm with their running back options this offseason. That was a contentious issue among the fanbase, but there is a good chance this changes at some stage during the 2025 NFL Draft.

Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are both in the final year of their respective deals. Jeremy McNichols was re-signed after a decent contribution in 2024. Chris Rodriguez Jr. got an exclusive rights tender to prevent him from speaking to any other suitor in free agency.

That could be the quartet moving forward. However, the Commanders would be wise to examine a deep draft class at the running back position for another explosive weapon.

John Emery Jr.'s college career will always be tinged with a little sadness. The flashes he displayed were nothing short of outstanding at LSU. He was part of their iconic 2019 national championship team as a freshman. The dual-threat accumulated 1,453 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns from 260 combined touches (rushing and receiving) throughout his collegiate career. Unfortunately, a series of frustrating injuries derailed his progress considerably.

Emery has the speed to exploit gaps and is a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. He's a powerful runner with sound contact balance, but the two knee injuries suffered in 2023 and 2024 leave reasons for concern.

If everything checks out medically, Emery could be an intriguing late-round option or perhaps even an undrafted free-agent steal.

Commanders could draft Kyren Lacy

Of all the names on this list, Kyren Lacy seems the most unlikely to end up with the Commanders. There is too much concerning baggage around the wide receiver despite his obvious talent.

Lacy was projected as a top 50 selection before a concerning off-field development. He was wanted for negligent homicide and felony hit-and-run after the death of Marine veteran Herman Hall in a head-on collision, who was being transported to the hospital. He was allegedly involved and accused of driving away from the scene.

The receiver is reportedly cooperating with authorities and developments are ongoing. That didn't stop Lacy from declaring for the draft or explaining himself throughout the pre-draft assessment stage. But the second-round projection is long gone.

There's a better chance Lacy goes undrafted than not. He developed a strong chemistry with Jayden Daniels in 2023 en route to 30 receptions for 558 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He's got the size and vice-like grip to make an NFL impression, but this doesn't look like the sort of character Washington will consider under the new regime.

They will do their due diligence on everybody. Lacy might even get a glowing reference from Daniels if his opinion is sought. Even so, it would be surprising if the Commanders gambled on the prospect as a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent.

More Commanders news and analysis