Commanders select LSU QB Jayden Daniels with No. 2 overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft

A new era in D.C. brings a new franchise signal-caller.

The Washington Commanders selected LSU product Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft -- the inaugural draft pick of the Josh Harris era and the first big move of the Adam Peters-Dan Quinn partnership -- on Thursday in Detroit.

After trading away last year's starter Sam Howell and signing backup QB Marcus Mariota this offseason, it was clear the Commanders would take a quarterback at No. 2. The question was, which one would they land?

The new brass settled on the 2023 Heisman Trophy Winner.

An electric playmaker, Daniels can divebomb a defense through the air and knife his way for a massive gain on the ground. The 6-foot-4 quarterback is an explosive-play maven whose college tape feels like one giant highlight reel.

After three seasons as a starter at Arizona State, Daniels transferred to LSU in 2022, where his star shot to the moon, showing trait development that portends continued growth in the NFL. The 23-year-old authored a prolific college career, throwing for 12,749 passing yards and 89 passing touchdowns against 20 interceptions and adding 3,307 rushing yards and 34 ground scores in 55 games over five seasons.

Playing alongside two potential first-round receivers -- Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. -- Daniels lit up the SEC in 2023, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 TDs with just four INTs and adding 1,134 rushing yards and 10 scamper scores en route to the Heisman Trophy. The QB made big plays look routine, tossing gorgeous field-stretching passes and taking chunks out of the defense.

A field general, Daniels can scan the progression and find the right answer for any defense. His quick release allows him to get the ball out lightning-fast when he