The DMV area had some wins when it came to the 2024 NFL Draft.
DMV native and USC star quarterback Caleb Williams was selected as the first overall pick for the Chicago Bears, an organization that has struggled to find a franchise quarterback for decades.
Williams is only the sixth Black quarterback to be taken first overall.
Heisman-winning Louisiana State University (LSU) quarterback Jayden Daniels went second overall as the Washington Commanders’ top pick to lead the team’s offense for coming years.
Daniels is an athlete with scrambling ability who draws comparisons to pre-injury Robert Griffin III. With the team coming off a 4-13 record, the second in a row with a last-place performance in the ultra-competitive NFC East, the front office is looking for a fresh start and to best utilize star receiver Terry McLaurin.
In the second round, the Commanders selected Illinois All-American defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton, Michigan All-American cornerback Mike Sainristil and Kansas State tight end Benjamin Sinnott. In the third round, they selected Second Team All-Big 12 offensive tackle Brandon Coleman and First Team All-AAC receiver Luke McCaffrey.
Among the team’s issues last year were allowing 65 sacks, tied for second-worst in the NFL, and allowing the most passing yards (4,627) of any team in the league.
New coach Dan Quinn has been a defensive specialist throughout his career, and the new draft picks emphasize a considerable investment into the team’s defense and blocking.
One unfortunate statistic from this year’s draft: no players from an HBCU were selected.