CBS NEWS: “Just because the Commanders miss out on Caleb Williams doesn’t mean they’re passing on a…

A new era for the Washington Commanders has begun this offseason and after several coaching hires were made, attention now turns to the NFL Draft.

With the quarterback position no doubt being a big question mark for Washington given Sam Howell’s up-and-down 2023 season, the consensus is that the Commanders will be selecting a new quarterback to kickstart Dan Quinn’s regime.

But who? With Kliff Kingsbury being hired as the offensive coordinator, some have seen that as a sign that USC’s Caleb Williams will be making his way to the nation’s capital given the pair worked closely last season. However, in CBS Sports’ latest mock draft, he isn’t the one coming to Washington.

“Just because the Commanders miss out on Caleb Williams doesn’t mean they’re passing on a QB, CBS Sports writes. “Washington opts for Jayden Daniels to work with Kingsbury, who has experience working with dual-threat playmakers from when he coached Kyler Murray in Arizona.”

LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) calls for the ball against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes (34) during the second half at Tiger Stadium.
LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) calls for the ball against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes (34) during the second half at Tiger Stadium.

Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

If you look up the phrase “dual-threat playmakers” online, a picture of Jayden Daniels will greet you.

His stats from his last two seasons at LSU boggle the mind. Daniels threw for 57 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while throwing for 6,725 yards. That alone is impressive.

But then we add in his rushing stats, it gets even more impressive. Daniels rushed for 2,019 yards and a cool 21 touchdowns as well. So combining both season stats makes for superb reading. Daniels had a combined yards total of 8,744 and 78 total touchdowns. Whew.

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So while the Commanders don’t get Williams at No. 1, they do get Daniels who can do everything needed as he can slice and dice a defense with his arm talent, and if things break down, he can escape the pocket and in the open space, is extremely dangerous.

Kingsbury jokingly stated that he wanted a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes in his introductory press conference, and while that isn’t Daniels (no one is or can be Mahomes), the Commanders could be getting a serious talent that will lead the franchise for the next decade…both through the air and on the ground.