Who Was Drafted Before Jayden Daniels? Unpacking The 2024 NFL Draft's Top Picks

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The 2024 NFL Draft was, in some respects, a truly special moment for football fans, especially for those keeping a close eye on the Washington Commanders. This particular draft class, you know, saw a record number of quarterbacks chosen in the very first round, a mark that actually tied a long-standing record from the 1983 NFL Draft. It was a time of big decisions for many teams, and the Commanders, for one, had a significant choice to make.

There was a lot of buzz leading up to the event, with plenty of talk about who would go where, and which young players would become the future faces of their teams. For the Washington Commanders, this draft offered a chance to really find their quarterback of the future, someone to build around. They had the second overall pick, a pretty high spot, which meant they were in a great position to get a top talent.

And so, it was Jayden Daniels, the dual-threat player from LSU, who the Washington Commanders ultimately selected with that number two overall pick. He was, as a matter of fact, ready to get right to work and, perhaps, become a truly historic rookie for the team. But, of course, with him going second, it naturally makes you wonder: who was drafted just before him?

Table of Contents

• Jayden Daniels: A Look Back
  • Personal Details & Bio Data
• The First Pick: Who Went Before Daniels?
• Washington's Big Choice: Daniels or Others?
• Why Not Number One? The Quarterback Conversation
• Daniels' Impact and the Commanders' Turnaround
• A Historic Draft Class for Quarterbacks
• Looking Ahead: Daniels' Future in Washington
• Common Questions About the 2024 NFL Draft

Jayden Daniels: A Look Back

Jayden Daniels, before he became the number two pick for the Washington Commanders, had quite a journey through college football. He actually started his college career at Arizona State, where he showed glimpses of the kind of player he could become. Later on, he transferred to LSU, and that's really where his game took off, wouldn't you say?

During his time at LSU, Daniels truly blossomed into one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft. He captured the Heisman Trophy, which is a pretty big award for a college player, after a standout season. His abilities as a dual-threat player, someone who can throw the ball with precision and also run with it effectively, drew a lot of attention from professional teams. People even started drawing comparisons, you know, to players like Lamar Jackson and Robert Griffin III before the draft, which is high praise indeed.

The qualities that stood out to Washington before the draft were, in fact, the very same ones they have continued to praise since he joined the team. His ability to make plays, his leadership, and his overall talent were clear. The team, as a matter of fact, really wanted to make sure Daniels was ready for the big stage of the NFL, and they clearly felt confident in his readiness.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Full Name	Jayden Daniels
College Attended	Arizona State, LSU
Position	Quarterback
NFL Draft Year	2024
Draft Pick	No. 2 Overall
Drafted By	Washington Commanders
College Accolades	Heisman Trophy Winner

The First Pick: Who Went Before Daniels?

When the 2024 NFL Draft kicked off, everyone was waiting to see who would be the very first player chosen. It's a huge honor, a pretty significant moment for any young athlete. So, to answer the question directly, before Jayden Daniels heard his name called by the Washington Commanders as the second pick, another highly anticipated quarterback was selected first.

That player was Caleb Williams. He held the distinction of being the number one overall pick in 2024. The Chicago Bears, you know, were the team that made that selection. There was some speculation, arguably, about what Chicago would do with that top pick on draft night, but in the end, they opted for Williams, setting the stage for Daniels to go next.

Williams, like Daniels, was considered a top-tier quarterback prospect, someone with the potential to really change a team's fortunes. The Bears, it seems, saw him as their franchise player, the guy who could lead them for many years to come. This meant that Daniels, despite being a phenomenal talent, would simply have to wait just a little bit longer to hear his name.

The decision by the Bears to take Williams first had a ripple effect, obviously, influencing how the rest of the top of the draft board would play out. It meant that the Commanders, holding that second pick, had a clearer picture of who might be available to them. And that, in a way, made their eventual choice of Daniels even more interesting.

Washington's Big Choice: Daniels or Others?

The Washington Commanders, holding the second overall pick, had a truly pivotal decision on their hands. It wasn't just about picking a player; it was about finding the future leader of their team, someone who could spark a major turnaround. As a matter of fact, there was a lot of talk and, you know, mock drafts floating around before the big day, suggesting different possibilities for Washington's pick.

Some mock drafts, for instance, projected the Commanders to select Drake Maye, the quarterback from UNC. He was another highly regarded prospect, someone many teams were interested in. Then, you had other mock drafts that had the team opting for the dual-threat talent out of LSU, which was, of course, Jayden Daniels. So, there was a bit of a split opinion on who Washington would lean towards.

And then, just to throw a spanner in the works, some of the "real wild ones," as the text puts it, even mocked Marvin Harrison Jr., a wide receiver, going incredibly high. This shows, arguably, just how much uncertainty and discussion there was around those top few picks. The Commanders, it seems, were happy with either Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels, as the text suggests they would have been content with either if Williams had somehow fallen to them.

For the 2024 season, the Commanders, in hindsight, seem to have made a really smart decision in taking Daniels instead of Williams, at least in the early going. Both players, though, should have very long careers ahead of them in the NFL. The qualities that Washington saw in Daniels before the draft were the same ones they've praised since he joined the team, which suggests a consistent belief in his abilities. They wanted to make sure Daniels was truly ready, and it appears they felt he was.

Why Not Number One? The Quarterback Conversation

It's a question many people pondered before the 2024 NFL Draft: Why wasn't Jayden Daniels the number one pick? Given his Heisman Trophy win and his clear talent, it's a fair thing to wonder. The simple answer, as we've discussed, is that Caleb Williams was chosen first by the Chicago Bears. But the underlying reasons for this often involve a deeper look at how prospects are evaluated.

The term "generational" gets handed out like candy in the modern day, as the text rather aptly puts it. This means that sometimes, one player is simply viewed by a particular team or by the consensus as having a slightly higher ceiling or a more unique set of skills that makes them stand out just a little bit more than others in a very strong class. For the Bears, it was Williams who seemingly fit that bill.

While Daniels was seen as a truly elite prospect, drawing comparisons to dynamic players, Williams also had his own unique set of attributes that made him highly sought after. Sometimes, it comes down to team fit, a specific coaching scheme, or simply a preference for one player's style over another's. There was, as a matter of fact, some speculation about what Chicago would ultimately do with that number one pick, but they settled on Williams, which then allowed Daniels to fall to Washington.

It's also worth noting that being the second overall pick is still an incredibly high honor, a very significant achievement. Daniels was, indeed, one of the top quarterback prospects in the entire 2024 NFL Draft class, and the Commanders were clearly thrilled to get him. The fact that he went second doesn't diminish his talent or his potential; it just means another team had a different top choice.

Daniels' Impact and the Commanders' Turnaround

After being picked second in the NFL Draft, Jayden Daniels quickly became Washington's latest quarterback of the future. It's a pretty big responsibility, just as it was for those who came before him. But Daniels, a fresh face who plays like an old hand, is arguably the number one reason there's a real fervor surrounding the Washington Commanders right now.

No NFL team, as a matter of fact, had a better turnaround from 2023 to 2024 than the Washington Commanders. This suggests that the changes they made, including drafting Daniels, had a very positive effect. He helped the team, and his presence certainly contributed to that improved performance. The qualities Washington saw in him before the draft are the same ones they've praised since he joined, indicating a strong belief in his abilities and fit.

The team clearly wanted to make sure Daniels was ready for the challenges of the professional game, and his early performance seems to have validated their trust. His ability to step in and make an immediate impact is a testament to his skill and preparation. He's a player who, you know, brings a lot of excitement and a fresh perspective to the team.

Looking at the team's trajectory, it seems like the Commanders made a truly smart decision in taking Daniels. He has, apparently, helped reshape the team's outlook and brought a renewed sense of hope to the fan base. His journey from college standout to a key player for Washington has been, in some respects, quite remarkable to watch unfold.

A Historic Draft Class for Quarterbacks

The 2024 NFL Draft was, without a doubt, a landmark event for quarterbacks. The text points out something pretty significant: the 1983 NFL Draft saw a record number of quarterbacks taken in the first round, and that record was actually tied by the 2024 draft when Daniels was chosen. This makes the 2024 class quite special, a truly memorable group of signal-callers.

Having so many quarterbacks go in the first round indicates a few things, you know. It suggests a strong pool of talent at the position coming out of college that year. It also shows just how much value NFL teams place on finding that franchise quarterback, someone who can lead their offense for years. Teams are, as a matter of fact, willing to invest high draft capital to secure such a player.

This historic number of first-round quarterbacks means that many teams across the league were looking to solidify their future at the most important position on the field. From Caleb Williams at number one to Jayden Daniels at number two, and then other quarterbacks following, it created a really exciting dynamic at the top of the draft board.

It also sets up some interesting comparisons for the future. With so many highly touted quarterbacks entering the league at the same time, it will be fascinating to see how their careers unfold and how they stack up against each other over time. This particular draft class will, arguably, be talked about for many years to come because of this unique quarterback situation.

Looking Ahead: Daniels' Future in Washington

It has been just over a year since the Washington Commanders drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels with the number two overall pick, and he is, you know, the team's current starting quarterback. This shows how quickly he has transitioned from college star to the leader of a professional offense. His journey from prep to pro, starting with Arizona State and then LSU, has culminated in this significant role.

For the 2024 season, the Commanders look like they made a truly smarter decision in taking Daniels instead of Williams, though both should have long NFL careers ahead of them. Daniels, a fresh face who plays like an old hand, is, as a matter of fact, the number one reason there's a fervent excitement surrounding the Washington team. He helped the team, and the qualities that stood out to Washington before the draft are the same ones it has praised since he joined.

However, there are always things to consider in the tough world of professional football. Jayden Daniels' health, for instance, is one lineman injury away from potential disaster, as the text mentions a player like Herbig, a former Eagle, in a related context. This highlights the importance of protecting the quarterback and building a strong offensive line around him.

Despite these considerations, Daniels' future in Washington seems bright. He's a key piece of the team's turnaround from 2023 to 2024, and his dual-threat abilities offer a lot of promise. The Commanders are clearly committed to him as their quarterback of the future, and fans are, you know, eager to see what he accomplishes next. You can learn more about the NFL draft process generally on a site like NFL.com.

Common Questions About the 2024 NFL Draft

Many people have questions about the 2024 NFL Draft, especially concerning the top picks and the quarterbacks involved. Here are some common inquiries that come up, you know, often.

Why wasn't Jayden Daniels the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Jayden Daniels was not the number one pick in the 2024 NFL Draft because the Chicago Bears, holding that top spot, chose Caleb Williams as their selection. While Daniels was a highly regarded prospect and a Heisman Trophy winner, Williams was apparently the player the Bears felt was the best fit for their team and their future plans. The term "generational" gets handed out like candy in the modern day, and it seems Williams was considered that by Chicago.

Did the Commanders consider anyone else for the No. 2 pick besides Jayden Daniels?

Yes, the Commanders did consider other players for their number two overall pick. There was, as a matter of fact, some speculation and mock drafts suggesting they might go with UNC quarterback Drake Maye. The text also mentions that the Commanders would have been happy with either Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels, implying that Williams was also on their radar if he had somehow been available at their pick. Ultimately, they opted for Daniels, a decision that seems to be working out well for the 2024 season.

How does the 2024 NFL Draft compare to other drafts in terms of quarterbacks?

The 2024 NFL Draft is quite notable for its quarterback class, you know. It actually tied a record set by the 1983 NFL Draft for the most quarterbacks taken in the first round. This means that a significant number of signal-callers were highly valued and chosen early on. This makes the 2024 class a truly historic one for the quarterback position, and it will be interesting to see how these players perform over their careers. You can learn more about past NFL drafts on our site, and also check out details about other notable draft classes.