The Washington Commanders drafted the quarterback of the future in April, taking LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick.
The next step: protecting the new face of the franchise so he can eventually lead the team to winning seasons and playoff appearances.
The Commanders might not have known for sure in March what they were going to do with the second pick, but they clearly wanted to emphasize revamping an offensive line that has been uneven for the past few years. Sam Cosmi and Andrew Wylie are the only returning starters from a year ago, and newcomers like Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti and third-round pick Brandon Coleman were brought in to keep the quarterback upright, not just in 2024 but for years to come.
It's on the new bunch of players up front to take care of Daniels as he gets adjusted to the NFL.
"We as a line have to definitely help him in the learning process, for sure," Cosmi said. "Taking stuff off of his plate, being able to communicate with him."
Taking care of a rookie quarterback is going to be a challenge for a group consisting of players who have either never played together or spent years apart, but overhauling the offensive line was necessary in 2024. They were just above average in pass-block win-rate (14th) and below average in run-block win-rate (22nd). They were also tied for the second most sacks allowed in 2023, although not all of the 65 given up were because of the offensive line.
Whether it happens in Week 1 or later in the season, Daniels will be the starting quarterback at some point, and that creates positives and challenges. Daniels was one of the best mobile quarterbacks in college football over the past five seasons, and while he did take 22 sacks in 2023, he also used his legs to avoid pressure and keep plays alive.
Daniels also brings an intense work ethic, which the quarterback credits for the growth that led to him winning the Heisman Trophy in 2023. Although general manager Adam Peters has confidence in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's ability to create a scheme that best suits Daniels' skill set, it'll still take time for him to get comfortable in the NFL.
Until that happens, it's up to Cosmi and the offensive line to make life as easy as possible for Daniels.
"It's a whole new thing for him with everything," Cosmi said, "so as much as we can help him, not only protect him, but...mentally, that's gonna be part of our jobs this year for sure."
The Washington Commanders were back on the field to continue their offseason workout program. Check out the top photos from Tuesday's action.
The Commanders are months away from seeing whether their investments in the offensive line will make a difference, but the group certainly looks better on paper. Aside from Cosmi, who got the sixth-best grade from Pro Football Focus for guards, Biadasz was a Pro Bowler in 2022 and has been a full-time starter since 2021. Allegretti has been reliable as a spot starter and is looking for a chance to prove himself. Coleman might not be ready to start as a rookie, but he was one of the most experienced offensive linemen available in this year's draft.
They'll need the extra help, too, according to NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund.
"Look at what the Giants did," Frelund said. "They reloaded their defensive front big time. The Eagles, they're coming for your soul as well. And the Cowboys, well, Micah Parsons also happens to still be playing. So, even in their division alone, if your O-Line's not gonna help out, it's gonna be much more difficult to succeed. But I think they're gonna have enough time here to address that with some tricks, some play-calling and getting him out of trouble."
