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The Washington Commanders have had a very defense-focused offseason under Dan Quinn, with a host of defenders signed in free agency.
Then, in the NFL Draft, the Commanders selected linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick and picked receiver Antonio Williams in the third round. So, there isn't much help for Daniels.
Most thought the Commanders would be more offensively minded in the draft, but they appeared to want to bolster the defense. Kaytron Allen (RB) and Matt Gulbin (C) were the other picks to "help" Daniels.
And ESPN's John Keim wonders whether the franchise did enough to help its young quarterback.
“Washington drafted receiver Antonio Williams in the third round,” Keim wrote. “The Commanders needed another playmaker and explosiveness alongside No. 1 receiver Terry McLaurin.
“They could also eventually sign Brandon Aiyuk -- though it remains uncertain when the 49ers will release him. And the Commanders did strengthen their defense, which will prevent the offense from needing to post big numbers every game. All of that will help Daniels, but until Williams proves himself, there will be questions.”
More: ESPN has huge question marks on 1 Chargers draft pick
Daniels a loser of the NFL Draft?
To an extent, you could say so.
Terry McLaurin is still the only legitimate weapon Daniels has, and you can't/shouldn't be relying on a third-round pick to be a good WR2 in his rookie season, which is what Washington is hoping Williams will become.
Of course, he very well could be, but as Keim states, there are questions over the receiver room.
Yes, the defense has gotten better, on paper, at least, so the score could be kept down, but offensively? The franchise hasn't really done enough to give Daniels the best shot at winning games.
There's still time to add more pieces in free agency, but at this time of the offseason, unless it's a trade, not many difference-making receivers are out there waiting for the phone to ring.
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