The Washington Commanders have turned a new leaf with the selection of quarterback Jayden Daniels at the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, marking a significant milestone in the franchise's history. This selection has sparked hope after years of struggle to find a consistent quarterback. Daniels led the team to its best season in over three decades, overshadowing the disappointments of prior first-round picks like Jahan Dotson, Jamin Davis, and Emmanuel Forbes, who have since been released or traded.

Despite this recent success, the Commanders’ track record over the last decade shows a mixed bag, with recent first-round picks ranking them low among the NFL. However, the impact of Daniels has been profound, emphasizing the importance of a franchise quarterback. The team's recent trades, particularly sending Dotson to a division rival, indicate a new direction under general manager Adam Peters, who appears to be moving the team forward after years of missteps.