Jay Gruden discusses which quarterback he believes will land with Commanders

Nov 4, 2018; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden talks with quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Jay Gruden was a part of six NFL drafts when he was head coach of the then-Washington Redskins. When he took over in 2014, Washington had 2012 No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III on the roster, and Gruden’s job was to revive Griffin’s career.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, as Griffin’s 2012 rookie season proved to be more of an anomaly. Kirk Cousins beat out Griffin permanently for the job in 2015, which was it for Griffin in D.C.

Cousins had a few record-setting performances for Washington over the next three seasons, but the team continuously bungled his contract, and he was gone after the 2017 season.

So, in Gruden’s six drafts, he had one first-round quarterback — Dwayne Haskins in 2019 — and that was not his call. That was a Dan Snyder move. He was fired after five games in the 2019 season.

With Bruce Allen as GM and team president, Gruden never had the chance to pick his own quarterback.

Now an NFL analyst, Gruden is often a guest on several radio shows and podcasts about the Washington Commanders. He is always a good guest, sharing his perspective as a former quarterback, offensive coordinator, and head coach.

Gruden has discussed the upcoming 2024 NFL draft class several times in recent weeks and likes one player specifically for his former team: LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.

“I like Jayden. Personally, I just think that he has an elite trait, the speed, and I think he’s gotten better as a passer the last five years from Arizona State to LSU,” Gruden said on “Grant and Danny” of 106.7 The Fan, via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“Obviously, he had some better players around him at LSU, but his completion percentage has gone up, and I’ve been impressed (with) the way he stays in the pocket and, when he gets to a second or third progression, throws it accurately. He doesn’t have a natural gifted arm, but he has athletic traits that are very good and he does have a strong enough arm to get the ball to the right people. And, I see him do some good things inside the pocket and outside the pocket. The biggest concern you have on him is his ability to stay healthy, because for him to be a special player in the NFL, he’s got to utilize his legs and be able to take some hits.”

Gruden said Washington has plenty of good options, including Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy. He agrees that Caleb Williams is the top passer. As for Maye, Gruden has been on record saying that his long-term ceiling could be higher but that Daniels is much closer to helping you win now than Maye.

The first round of the NFL draft kicks off on Thursday, Apri. 25.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Jay Gruden discusses which quarterback he believes will land with Commanders