No. 1 Pick Traded to Chicago, Jayden Daniels Poised to be Top Selection for Commanders in NFL Draft

The No. 1 pick in the NFL draft has been on the move, with Carolina having traded it to Chicago over a year ago in a monumental exchange to secure Bryce Young as the top selection in 2023.

In Detroit, Jayden Daniels faced the media with grace and composure, reflecting the same confidence he exhibits on the field. Set to be amongst the top three picks, the LSU standout and 2023 Heisman Trophy recipient is likely to be the second choice after USC‘s Caleb Williams goes first to Chicago, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

Daniels, the highly-touted prospect, is expected to fill the Washington Commanders’ longstanding need for a franchise quarterback, providing them with a pivotal opportunity to secure his services along with other top contenders like North Carolina‘s Drake Maye and Michigan‘s J.J. McCarthy. The team went against convention during its pre-draft evaluations by hosting all three at a relaxed Topgolf gathering.

Returning to his hometown San Bernardino, Daniels engaged in a triumphant celebration ahead of the 2024 NFL draft. Addressing speculations raised by his agent, Ron Butler, regarding his preferences amidst team visits, Daniels remained diplomatic and reassured his commitment to any team that calls upon him.

Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Dan Quinn, who brought on Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator, the Commanders are eyeing Daniels, given Kingsbury’s past success with dual-threat quarterbacks like Kyler Murray in Arizona and earlier with the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Johnny Manziel in college.

With strong ties to Las Vegas Raiders‘ coach Antonio Pierce from their time at Arizona State, Daniels acknowledged the profound off-field relationship with Pierce. However, the possibility of a reunion at Las Vegas might depend on a trade-up, given the Raiders’ position at No. 13 in the draft.

Accompanied by a host of other prospects, including Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy, Daniels engaged in a football clinic with Special Olympics Michigan participants, fostering a community spirit and sharing his expertise ahead of the draft day. The event became a platform for interactions and skill-sharing amidst the chilly weather at the historic Tigers Stadium site in Detroit.

As the draft class shapes up to potentially break records with the number of quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, set to enter the league, Daniels expressed optimism about the talent and depth in this year’s draft pool, foreseeing a bright future for the incoming players.