Jayden Daniels Expected to be Selected Second Overall by Washington Commanders in 2023 NFL Draft

Jayden Daniels, a quarterback from San Bernardino Cajon High School in California's Inland Empire, is projected to be the second overall pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2023 NFL Draft, following USC's Caleb Williams. Daniels' expected selection continues the region's recent trend of producing top NFL quarterback prospects, including 2022 draftees C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter and Fox Sports/Good Morning Football analyst Peter Schrager, the Commanders' intentions have not been revealed to anyone, but the intel they have received from numerous sources strongly suggests Daniels will be the pick at number two. Schrager believes Daniels to the Commanders is 'a lot more likely' in the last few days, and he would 'put his name' on Daniels going to Washington with the second overall selection.

Daniels, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, had an illustrious college career, passing for 12,749 yards and rushing for 3,307 yards. He is being compared to Stroud, who had a successful rookie season in the NFL. Multiple NFL sources are convinced that Daniels will be the Commanders' choice at the second overall pick, as he is seen as the most explosive quarterback in the draft after Caleb Williams and a 'sure thing' that the franchise needs.

Despite some social media controversy involving Daniels' agent, the Commanders are still very much interested in drafting him and have had positive interactions with him during pre-draft visits. Daniels is excited about the prospect of playing with wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson in Washington.

However, recent reports suggest Daniels and his agent were unhappy with how Washington handled his pre-draft visit. While Daniels stated he wants to 'go where my name is called,' he didn't rule out the Commanders explicitly, sparking further speculation. The Las Vegas Raiders are also interested in Daniels and could try to trade up in the draft to get him, as he has a strong connection with their head coach Antonio Pierce.

Why this matters: The 2023 NFL Draft is just two days away, and all eyes are on the Commanders and their decision between Daniels and other top quarterback prospects. The article highlights the Inland Empire's growing reputation as a 'quarterback capital of the world', with several high-profile players emerging from the region in recent years.

Ultimately, the NFL draft is unpredictable, and Daniels' draft destination is out of his control, as the teams hold the power in the selection process. As Daniels himself stated, "I just want to go where my name is called. It's not up to me, it's up to the teams. I'm just excited to see where I end up." The 2023 NFL Draft will reveal whether the Washington Commanders follow through with their expected selection of Jayden Daniels as the second overall pick, or if any last-minute changes occur.

Key Takeaways

• Jayden Daniels is projected to be the 2nd overall pick by Commanders in 2023 NFL Draft.
• Inland Empire region producing top NFL QB prospects, including Stroud and Young.
• Commanders interested in Daniels despite the social media controversy involving his agent.
• The raiders also interested in Daniels, could try to trade up to get him.
• Daniels' draft destination is uncertain as teams hold power in the selection process.