Jayden Daniels’ life gets a lot easier as Commanders offense adds dynamic player to an already stacked position group in latest mock draft

When the season began, I don't think anyone expected to see the Washington Commanders go from holding the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to holding a spot in the NFC playoff picture. The Commanders used the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Heisman winner. In a new A to Z […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) reacts after a play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Northwest Stadium.
Amber Searls-Imagn Images

When the season began, I don't think anyone expected to see the Washington Commanders go from holding the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to holding a spot in the NFC playoff picture. 

The Commanders used the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Heisman winner. In a new A to Z Sports mock draft, the team held the 23rd pick in the first round and still landed a top Heisman candidate. 


Commanders land Heisman candidate Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty in a new mock draft

Oct 12, 2024; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first quarter an NCAA college football game against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
Marco Garcia-Imagn Images

"This would be a luxury pick for the Commanders but one that could elevate their offense in a major way. The duo of Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson had produced solid numbers. But if they have the chance to give Jayden Daniels a dynamic RB like Ashton Jeanty I think they should run the card in."

– New A to Z Sports mock draft

The Commanders have a solid duo in the running back room between Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler. I think that the duo is solid, and each as an individual is the definition of "fine" but not dynamic and not game-changing. Their run game also benefits from having a dual-threat quarterback in Jayden Daniels, who has rushed for 482 yards through the first 11 games. 

So, I understand why many aren't considering RB an option for the Commanders to target. I don't feel like this pick of Jeanty is a "need" it's definitely a luxury selection for the team. But it's a move that, if they were able to pull it off, would elevate their offense to heights that I don't think people realize they are capable of so early in Daniels' career. 

I believe Jeanty is a true bell-cow RB who will be a strong starter on day one of his NFL career. The idea of defenses having to plan around stopping a run game led by Jeanty and Daniels sounds like a nightmare. Having to stay honest in terms of the QB keeping it himself as a runner will open Jeanty up for significantly less loaded boxes and allow him to make the big plays we've gotten accustomed to seeing him make on a weekly basis. 


Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) scores a d against Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.

Commanders’ loss to Eagles hurts a little more after latest playoff update

The Washington Commanders (7-4) came into Thursday night's game with a chance to retake the NFC East, but they just couldn't get the job done against the Philadelphia Eagles (8-2). The Eagles defense held Jayden Daniels and co. in check and while the Commanders defense held its own for the most game, the levees broke in […]