The Washington Commanders franchise is entering a brand new era from top to bottom and Jayden Daniels, the most recent Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will lead the way.
He sees a bright future ahead and when considering his elite work ethic, it's easy to envision a world in which the Commanders are annual playoff contenders.
"I'm very confident," Daniels told reporters during his post-draft presser. "Obviously, there's a new regime there and I'm excited just to come in and change the culture and, you know, help the team win in each and every way that I can. Come in and work hard and, you know, we'll see where the course takes itself."
A big reason why Daniels should feel confident, outside his own abilities, is the current state of the Commanders offense. He has two very good receivers in Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson and then the Commanders fortified the offensive line, as well as added tight end Zach Ertz, during free agency. There's also the duo of Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. at running back.
Granted, none of the solutions are absolute game-changers, but they will help Daniels succeed as early as possible and there's still plenty of room to add more difference-makers because the Commanders have five total picks on Day 2 of the draft.
"I'm excited to come in and get to work. I know Jahan previously, just you know, we're kind of around the same age obviously, what Terry has done at the next level," said Daniels. "We got a great running back in Brian Robinson, you know, Austin Ekeler - those guys are very explosive players. New Additions with Zach Ertz. I'm just happy to come in and learn how to be a pro. You know, I'm excited to get to work. I'm excited to meet my new teammates."
Honestly, it's extremely hard to not feel a good about Daniels and the future of the Washington franchise. We'll see how things turn out in the long run, but right now, it's a good place to be.
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