Adam Peters says he can’t believe how good new quarterback Jayden Daniels is. The Washington Commanders’ general manager didn’t start studying this year’s quarterback prospects until January and the eventual No. 2 pick leaped off the screen.
After what Peters described as a thorough predraft process, he was left with only one question: Why shouldn’t the Commanders draft the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner to lead the team into the future? He couldn’t find any reason not to select the All-American with Washington’s first pick.
“He’s the best deep ball thrower in the draft … and the way he runs takes your soul as a defense,” a jubilant Peters said after drafting Daniels. “I can’t say enough about him … his personal character, his work ethic, his football intelligence. … we couldn’t be happier.”
This weekend’s NFL draft was the first for the Commanders’ new regime, which includes Peters, new coach Dan Quinn and new owner Josh Harris. Finding the right quarterback was the most important task for the franchise’s leaders. But Washington’s roster, which finished 4-13 last season, had room to improve at several key positions.
Instead of highlighting positions of need, the Commanders’ front office said it focused on finding leaders for the rebuilding squad. Washington drafted five players who were team captains in college.
“I feel like we added our kind of football players,” assistant general manager Lance Newmark said after the draft. “Coach Quinn has a saying that this isn’t for everybody. We drafted the kind of people that fit to what we do here and that believe in what we believe in.”
This strategy, focusing on personality matches over potential scheme fits, raised some eyebrows across the league.
Washington did not focus on positions of need with every draft pick, as they selected former Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton with pick No. 36. The rookie joins a group of interior defensive linemen that already includes Pro Bowlers Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
“We had a first-round grade on him and he is an explosive, violent player,” Peters said of the second-round pick. “He’s a team captain. He got the ‘Commander’ tag and he’s exactly who we want to bring in this building.”
Prospects with the same core beliefs as the leadership team earned the “Commander” tag on the draft board.
“Our kind of guy,” Newmark said.
The Commanders also found their “kind of guy” to fill holes in the roster. After adding its potential franchise quarterback, Washington used the draft to shore up concerns on the offensive line, in the secondary and among the pass-catching group.
Second-round cornerback Mike Sainristil could start from Day One in the slot. The ball-hawking defender said he’s excited to work in Quinn’s defense, where the scheme encourages cornerbacks to aggressively force turnovers.
Third-round pick Brandon Coleman, who played at offensive tackle and guard in college, joins an offensive line that allowed 65 sacks in 2023. The 23-year-old could start at left tackle after the departure of Charles Leno Jr. this offseason.
Peters and company also added a pair of playmakers — tight end Ben Sinnott and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey — in the second and third rounds. The duo will add some needed weaponry for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury this season after former tight end Logan Thomas retired and wide receiver Curtis Samuel left in free agency.
“We got a lot better,” Peters said after Day 2 of the draft. “Really proud of our process and identifying the right types of guys. Just couldn’t be happier with the young men that we brought in.”
Reactions to Washington’s picks were overwhelmingly positive. The franchise earned A’s from ESPN, Sports Illustrated and NFL.com in their draft grades.
“I really like this class overall, and whether it goes from great to amazing could hinge on Coleman becoming a starter,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. wrote. “If he does and Daniels is a star, this could set the foundation for the Commanders returning to the playoffs.”
The success of this year’s draft will depend on Daniels. If he excels in Washington, this draft could be seen as the start of a new era. If he flames out, like so many of his burgundy and gold predecessors, fans’ optimism could quickly turn to apathy.
Washington’s leaders say they’re excited to see their team come together.
“We brought in a bunch of guys that are going to love playing with each other,” Peters said. “This team’s going to create its own identity and that remains to be seen. … We’re going to have a lot of fun.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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