The Washington Commanders embarked on a new era after being acquired by the Josh Harris Group. The team’s last season marked one of the worst in their franchise history. It prompts them to sack head coach Ron Rivera, who had been grappling with cancer.
The Commanders now have a ton of salary cap space due to the extended budget. They can use it to secure promising players at various spots. The franchise can also address their confusing quarterback room, featuring Sam Howell, and give a shot to a new signal-caller. Rivera thinks LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels should get the chance.
Ron Rivera believes Commanders must target Jayden Daniels
Ron Rivera believes that targeting Jayden Daniels is the optimal move for the team. He acknowledged the high likelihood of Caleb Williams being the first quarterback selected, which could prompt the Commanders to make a substantial offer to the Chicago Bears for that top spot.
However, the more accessible options of Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye could provide the Commanders with a QB without sacrificing hefty draft capital.
During an appearance on ESPN’s “NFL Live,” Rivera discussed the importance of mobility for the QB position in new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme. Jayden Daniels, a standout athlete listed at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, perfectly fits the mold with his agility and ability to navigate the pocket.
“Jayden Daniels, because of the fact that everybody expects Caleb (Williams) to go first. So, to me, if this is the style of offense you’re going to have, you’ve got to have that type of quarterback. A guy that can, again, move around in the pocket, hold onto the football, find guys downfield”, he said via Yahoo Sports.
Daniels moonlighted as a hero last season and clinched the prestigious Heisman Trophy. He amassed 3,812 passing yards along with 40 touchdowns, and a mere four interceptions. He also added another dimension to his game with 1,134 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
The LSU star’s electrifying athleticism and elite accuracy make him an enticing prospect, but concerns linger about his lean frame and susceptibility to taking big hits. However, Ron Rivera believes that Daniels’ style aligns perfectly with the Commanders offensive strategy.
What is Ron Rivera up to after Commanders sacking?
Ron Rivera wasted no time finding his next move after being sacked on January 8 after four seasons with the team. His tenure as the Commanders head coach ended with a 26-40-1 record, but his presence in the football world remains strong.
The veteran’s transition from the sidelines to the studio was unveiled on a recent edition of NFL Live on ESPN, where he is set to join as one of the network’s new analysts. However, he expressed his continued desire to coach, even if it meant stepping into a defensive coordinator position.
The ex-NFL HC’s passion for coaching was evident as he took a more hands-on approach with the Commanders defense towards the end of last season after parting ways with Jack Del Rio. He even interviewed for defensive coordinator positions with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. Those positions ultimately went to other candidates. Nevertheless, his appearance on ESPN suggests that the network might have the inside track if he decides to commit to television work for the foreseeable future.
