DETROIT, MI (WTKR)- The long-awaited answer as to who the Commanders will select with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft is finally here.
Washington selected LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels Thursday night, the first major pick under new general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. Daniels will come in as the organization's expected franchise quarterback.
"I'm just happy to come in and learn how to be a pro," Daniels said. "I'm excited to get to work and I'm excited to meet my new teammates."
The Tiger signal caller is coming off a Heisman-winning 2023 campaign. Daniels threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdown passes and just four interceptions. He added another 1,134 yards on the ground and an another 10 scores. Now he brings that excitement and play-making ability to FedEx Field and the Commanders and their fans hope it will translate well to the NFL game.
"They're going to get somebody who's a competitor that wants to win, no matter what," he said. "I just want to go out and compete and I want to help the team win football games. At some point in the future, we'll get this thing turned around."
In addition to the Heisman Trophy, the QB added quite a few honors to his resume in 2023. He won the Davey O'Brien, Walter Camp and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards.
The Commander and their fans hope Daniels is the answer long-term at the most important position on the field. Washington has seen 12 different players start at quarterback since the start of the 2018 season.
"I hope to come in and really just trying to play my role," the QB said. "I just want to be the best teammate to help the team win and we can bring back some victories to Washington and we can have some fun."
USC's Caleb Williams was selected by the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick.
Washington has five of its nine draft picks during Friday's rounds two and three.
