Will Drafting LSU QB Jayden Daniels Allow Washington Commanders to Relive RG3 Era?

Could the Commanders drafting LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels allow fans to see what the Robert Griffin III era could have been?

By Isaiah Deanda

Jayden Daniels and Robert Griffin III.
Jayden Daniels and Robert Griffin III. /

One of the biggest what-ifs in the history of the Washington Commanders franchise is what could’ve been had 2012’s No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III stayed healthy following his Pro Bowl rookie season.

Now, with the No. 2 overall pick, the Commanders will have an opportunity to draft LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels and get a better idea of what the fans missed out on after Griffin’s unfortunate injuries.

Jayden Daniels and Robert Griffin III.
Jayden Daniels and Robert Griffin III. /

Much like Griffin, Daniels is also a dual-threat Heisman-winning quarterback with elite college production that warrants comparisons to Griffin’s Heisman season at Baylor.

2023: Jayden Daniels, 23 years old, 6-4, weighs 210 pounds: In 2023 started in the SEC for 12 games.

Passing - 3,812 yards, 72.2 completion percentage, 40 touchdowns, four interceptions.

Rushing - 1,134 yards, 8.4 yards per carry, 10 touchdowns.

2011: Robert Griffin III, 22 years old, 6-4, weighs 210 pounds: In 2023 started in the Big 12 for 13 games.

Passing - 4,293 yards, 72.4 completion percentage, 37 touchdowns, six interceptions.

Rushing - 699 yards, 3.9 yards per carry, 10 touchdowns.

Griffin’s talents would get him drafted by Washington second overall behind Andrew Luck. Now projected No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is regarded as the best quarterback prospect since Luck and Daniels is expected to go just after him after his impressive Heisman season. 

Once Griffin made it into the NFL, he continued his dominance, leading Washington to the playoffs and winning Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 815 yards and seven rushing touchdowns in addition to throwing for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 regular-season starts. 

Unfortunately, an ACL and LCL tear in the Wildcard round of the playoffs would derail Griffin’s career when he attempted to comeback too early and never regained form after his rookie season. 

By taking Daniels, the Commanders will have an opportunity to repeat history by drafting a player with a similar ceiling and taking better care of him as the team attempts to get back into the playoffs.