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The Washington Commanders have a franchise quarterback. Jayden Daniels took the NFL by storm last season, quickly developing into one of the NFL's top quarterbacks — as a rookie. The Commanders shockingly won 12 games and reached the NFC championship game, one season after winning only four games.
Washington's ascent last season was surprising because of the roster's condition before Daniels arrived. The Commanders missed on four consecutive first-round picks under former coach Ron Rivera, neglected to rebuild the offensive line with young players, and lacked offensive playmakers outside of wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Washington's offensive line was better than expected last season. And Daniels had other weapons step up opposite McLaurin, including ageless tight end Zach Ertz. Still, the Commanders fell short of overtaking the Philadelphia Eagles, who also happen to play in the same division.
General manager Adam Peters made it his mission to surround Daniels with more help this offseason. That's why Washington should be optimistic about the 2025 season, says Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus.
Peters was aggressive in reshaping the offensive line. By trading for Tunsil, he added one of the NFL's best left tackles and followed that up by using a first-round pick on Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. Those two moves allowed the Commanders to move last season's rookie left tackle inside to guard, where he could become a Pro Bowl performer.
The trade for Samuel gives Daniels a legit No. 2 offensive weapon. Samuel's strength is what he does after the catch. The addition of rookie wideout Jaylin Lane gives Daniels another option in the deep passing game. Another reason fans should be optimistic is the continued development of second-year players (WR) Luke McCaffrey and (TE) Ben Sinnott.
Peters did an outstanding job of setting up Washington to further compete in 2025 and adding building blocks who will be around for years.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Why the Commanders should be optimistic about next season
Continue reading...
Washington's ascent last season was surprising because of the roster's condition before Daniels arrived. The Commanders missed on four consecutive first-round picks under former coach Ron Rivera, neglected to rebuild the offensive line with young players, and lacked offensive playmakers outside of wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Washington's offensive line was better than expected last season. And Daniels had other weapons step up opposite McLaurin, including ageless tight end Zach Ertz. Still, the Commanders fell short of overtaking the Philadelphia Eagles, who also happen to play in the same division.
General manager Adam Peters made it his mission to surround Daniels with more help this offseason. That's why Washington should be optimistic about the 2025 season, says Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus.
Peters was aggressive in reshaping the offensive line. By trading for Tunsil, he added one of the NFL's best left tackles and followed that up by using a first-round pick on Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. Those two moves allowed the Commanders to move last season's rookie left tackle inside to guard, where he could become a Pro Bowl performer.
The trade for Samuel gives Daniels a legit No. 2 offensive weapon. Samuel's strength is what he does after the catch. The addition of rookie wideout Jaylin Lane gives Daniels another option in the deep passing game. Another reason fans should be optimistic is the continued development of second-year players (WR) Luke McCaffrey and (TE) Ben Sinnott.
Peters did an outstanding job of setting up Washington to further compete in 2025 and adding building blocks who will be around for years.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Why the Commanders should be optimistic about next season
Continue reading...