Could the Washington Commanders land a Heisman Trophy winner in the NFL draft for the second consecutive year?
In the 2024 NFL draft, Washington held the No. 2 overall pick and selected LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels won the Heisman Trophy after a record-breaking final season for the Tigers. Daniels’ arrival has completely transformed the Commanders from a four-win team to a playoff contender.
Currently 8-5, Washington looks likely to make the NFC playoff field, barring an unforeseen collapse.
While the Commanders finally have something to play for in December, it’s never too early to begin looking ahead to next season. That means it’s mock draft time. While Washington is in a much different position than one year ago, the Commanders have several needs.
In a new mock draft for The Athletic, Dane Brugler has the Commanders adding some help for Daniels and the offense. Brugler has Washington selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 21 overall pick.
Jeanty is one of the best players in this draft class, full stop. But there aren’t many obvious landing spots for a running back in the top 20, especially if Dallas passes (and I’m not projecting any trades in a mock draft this early in the process).
Washington wouldn’t be upset to see the Boise State standout fall this far. I’ll double check the NFL rule book, but a Jayden Daniels/Jeanty backfield hardly seems fair.
We agree with Brugler. Could you imagine a backfield of Daniels and Jeanty, with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler also around? Providing Washington adds a receiver in free agency, adding Jeanty would give the Commanders one of the upcoming draft’s top 10 players. The only reason Jeanty doesn’t go in the top 10 is because of his position.
Jeanty rushed for 2,288 yards, averaged 7.3 yards per carry and scored 28 touchdowns this season and has the Broncos in the College Football Playoff. Jeanty and Colorado star Travis Hunter are clear favorites to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
GM Adam Peters is about drafting the best player available. If Jeanty is there at No. 21, there’s no doubt he’d be the best player remaining on the board.
What are the odds the Commanders land back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners?