In the mock draft, the Washington Commanders select another “playmaker” for quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The Washington Commanders, in a bold move during the upcoming NFL draft, have decided to focus on providing a playmaking weapon for their young quarterback, Jayden Daniels. This decision reflects the team’s recognition of the importance of surrounding their promising signal-caller with the necessary talent to help elevate both his play and the offense as a whole. As the Commanders move forward into a new era with Daniels under center, it is clear that they are looking to transform their offensive unit into one that can compete in an increasingly dynamic and competitive NFC East.

In this mock draft scenario, we explore the reasoning behind the Commanders’ decision to target another playmaker for their offense, the potential players they might consider, and how this choice could impact the team’s long-term trajectory.

The Importance of Supporting Jayden Daniels

The Washington Commanders have been in search of a true franchise quarterback for years. With the selection of Jayden Daniels, the franchise has a young, mobile, and talented quarterback capable of leading the offense for years to come. Daniels, who has a combination of arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability, represents the kind of modern quarterback the NFL is leaning toward. However, even the most talented quarterbacks need the right pieces around them to succeed, and for Daniels to take the next step in his development, he needs weapons that can both stretch the field and make plays in critical moments.

Supporting a young quarterback with an array of offensive talent is crucial for the growth of both the player and the team. The Commanders understand that for Daniels to fully reach his potential, he needs reliable and dynamic weapons who can create separation, win contested catches, and provide that big-play ability that every offense craves. Washington’s front office is aware of this and has therefore made it a priority to surround Daniels with top-tier talent in the 2025 draft.

Playmaker Needs for the Commanders

The Washington Commanders’ offense, despite flashes of potential, has often been inconsistent. Over the last few seasons, the team has struggled to establish a coherent and explosive attack. While the team has had some solid pieces, including a respectable offensive line and a handful of serviceable skill players, they have lacked the type of explosive playmakers who can consistently put pressure on opposing defenses.

A playmaker for Daniels is not just a player who can catch passes or run the ball effectively; it’s a player who can flip the field, change the momentum, and take over games when needed. Daniels will need a receiver or a running back who can handle a heavy workload and be the focal point of the offense when it counts the most. Moreover, the Commanders need to provide him with someone who can open up passing lanes, thus making his job easier as a young quarterback.

There are a few positions the Commanders should target in this draft to meet this goal:

1. Wide Receiver: A true No. 1 receiver would instantly give Daniels a go-to target capable of winning one-on-one matchups and making spectacular plays downfield. This would alleviate some of the pressure off of Daniels by providing him with a reliable weapon in the passing game. A dynamic wide receiver would help open up the entire offense, making it more unpredictable and harder to defend.
2. Tight End: Tight ends, especially in modern offenses, are essential to stretching the field and offering quarterbacks a big-bodied target over the middle. A talented tight end can also serve as a safety valve when the pocket breaks down, allowing Daniels to dump the ball off to a player who can then turn upfield for significant yardage.
3. Running Back: A versatile running back who can both rush the ball effectively and catch passes out of the backfield could also be a major asset for Daniels. This type of dual-threat running back is especially valuable to a young quarterback, as they can both relieve pressure on passing downs and contribute significantly to the play-action game, making it more difficult for defenses to predict and stop the offense.

Potential Draft Targets for the Commanders

In this mock draft, we’ll explore several potential players who could be available to the Commanders in the first and second rounds, players who could help elevate Jayden Daniels’ play and solidify the offense for the future.

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State (First Round)

Marvin Harrison Jr. is widely regarded as one of the most talented wide receivers to enter the draft in recent memory. Standing at 6’4” and possessing elite speed and route-running ability, Harrison has all the traits that make him a top-tier receiver. His ability to make contested catches, create separation with ease, and change the course of a game with a single play would be a tremendous asset for Washington.

Pairing Harrison with Daniels would provide the Commanders with a dynamic duo that could reshape the entire offense. Harrison’s combination of size and athleticism would allow him to dominate on the outside, while his exceptional football IQ would make him a reliable target in all situations. Having someone like Harrison to stretch the field and serve as a primary target could elevate Daniels’ development significantly, making the Commanders’ passing game far more dangerous and unpredictable.

2. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia (First Round)

Another potential target for the Commanders is Brock Bowers, a tight end from Georgia who is widely considered the top player at his position in the 2025 draft class. Bowers is a versatile playmaker who can dominate as both a blocker and a pass-catcher. Standing at 6’4” and possessing excellent speed for a tight end, he has the ability to stretch the field and create mismatches in the middle of the field.

Bowers’ ability to create after the catch would give Daniels a reliable outlet when the pocket collapses or when he needs a big play over the middle. The tight end position has become increasingly vital in modern offenses, and adding a player like Bowers would give Daniels an elite weapon at his disposal.

3. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (Second Round)

If the Commanders decide to target a running back later in the draft, Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama is an intriguing prospect. Gibbs is a versatile and explosive back who can do it all: he can run between the tackles, break off long runs on the outside, and catch passes out of the backfield. His ability to contribute both as a runner and as a pass-catcher makes him an ideal fit for a young quarterback like Daniels, who will benefit from a running back who can take pressure off him and provide an extra element of unpredictability to the offense.

Gibbs has the breakaway speed to turn a simple screen pass into a touchdown, and his vision and quickness make him a dangerous weapon in open space. His dual-threat ability would make the Commanders’ offense more balanced, opening up both the running and passing game for Daniels to exploit.

4. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas (Second Round)

If Washington opts to target a wide receiver in the second round, Xavier Worthy from Texas would be a fantastic option. Worthy is a dynamic deep threat who excels at stretching the field and creating big plays. Standing at 6’1” and possessing elite speed, Worthy is capable of making explosive plays both downfield and after the catch. His ability to run precise routes and create separation makes him a dangerous weapon for any quarterback, especially one like Daniels, who thrives on the deep ball.

Worthy’s presence would give the Commanders a reliable vertical threat capable of opening up the offense. His speed would also force defenses to respect the deep ball, which in turn would open up space for other playmakers in the intermediate and short areas of the field.

The Impact of Adding Another Playmaker

By selecting one of these playmakers, the Washington Commanders would be taking a significant step forward in their mission to develop Jayden Daniels into a franchise quarterback. With a talented weapon like Harrison, Bowers, Gibbs, or Worthy at his disposal, Daniels would have the tools to succeed and take his game to new heights.

A top-tier wide receiver like Harrison would elevate the passing game, making it more explosive and difficult to defend. A versatile tight end like Bowers would provide Daniels with a reliable target in key situations. A dual-threat running back like Gibbs would allow the Commanders to implement a more balanced and unpredictable offense. Any of these playmakers would provide Daniels with the support he needs to maximize his potential and lead the team to future success.

In conclusion, the decision to select another playmaker for Jayden Daniels reflects the Commanders’ commitment to building a high-powered offense capable of competing in the NFC East. By investing in a weapon that can help unlock Daniels’ full potential, Washington is setting itself up for sustained success. Whether it’s a wide receiver, tight end, or running back, the addition of a playmaker will significantly impact the offense and help the Commanders take the next step in their rebuilding process. The future is bright for the Commanders and their new franchise quarterback, and with the right pieces around him, Jayden Daniels could become the face of the franchise for years to come.