The upcoming NFL Draft stands as a pivotal event for teams aiming for playoff success and Super Bowl contention. The Philadelphia Eagles exemplify this, with a significant number of their starters, including MVP Jalen Hurts, drafted into the team. A strong draft can turn struggling franchises into competitive ones, as seen with the Houston Texans and Washington Commanders, who secured franchise quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels, respectively.

Several AFC teams are in dire need of impactful draft classes. The Cincinnati Bengals aim to bolster their defensive line and offensive protection for Joe Burrow, while the New England Patriots, with a new franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, seek to revamp a struggling offense. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans, owners of the first pick, face pressure to select wisely as they pursue their future quarterback amid an unsteady division.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, maintaining their status as contenders means addressing weaknesses exposed in the Super Bowl. Lastly, the Buffalo Bills, close to a Super Bowl appearance, look to enhance their roster with key picks to overcome past challenges against the Chiefs.

The Washington Commanders made headlines last season, surprising many by reaching their first NFC Championship Game in 33 years. Under coach Dan Quinn, they built momentum, notably with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. This offseason, the Commanders focused on strengthening their roster, trading for key players like wide receiver Deebo Samuel and left tackle Laremy Tunsil, addressing essential needs on offense.

With the departure of notable players such as Jonathan Allen and Jeremy Chinn, Washington is poised for a strategic draft. They hold the 29th overall pick and aim to bolster their defense further. Target areas include edge rusher and cornerback, with several promising prospects available. The 2025 draft could be crucial for Washington's continued success.

The Washington Commanders' offense in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular, finishing among the league's elite in various metrics including total and scoring offense. A highlight of their season was their remarkable 20-for-23 conversion on fourth downs, resulting in an 87% success rate—a feat that could prove difficult to replicate. Furthermore, the Commanders were one of only two teams to score on over 50% of their drives, a stat only matched by the Detroit Lions.

This offensive transformation was largely credited to quarterback Jayden Daniels, who, after a standout performance, is now considered one of the league's premier quarterbacks. His synergy with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was pivotal, leading Kingsbury to forgo head coaching opportunities in favor of continuing this successful partnership. As anticipation builds for the 2025 season, the question remains: what will the Commanders' offense achieve next?

Dan Quinn's approach to quarterback development for the Washington Commanders reflects a growing trend in the NFL: hiring younger QB coaches. Quinn recruited David Blough, a former practice squad QB, to become the assistant quarterbacks coach, emphasizing that having recent players in coaching roles can enhance player development. The average age of assistant quarterbacks coaches has plummeted to 31.25 years, with many former QBs like Kellen Moore and Ben Johnson making significant impacts on their teams' quarterbacks.

Blough played a pivotal role in Jayden Daniels' success as a rookie, showcasing the benefits of his fresh perspective and knowledge of the game. As organizations increasingly lean on young coaching talent to mold quarterbacks, this strategy could reshape the landscape of QB development in the league.