WASHINGTON — As DCity Smokehouse staff prepare plates of brisket, pulled pork, rib suggestions and Meaty Palmer and Big Snoop sandwiches within the kitchen, all eyes are on the various televisions dotted across the local barbecue joint.

Some people eat meals, others send text messages on their phones. At least one person sits on a stool and rubs his face while waiting.

The smell of spicy barbecue sauce fills the air. Auntie hairstyles may be found at many tables. The evening host updates the status of Thursday night’s draft in a small restaurant.

As expected, the Chicago Bears will select former USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the primary overall pick. There is light applause as Williams is a Washington product who led Gonzaga College High School to the 2018 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship.

Next up are the hosts, the Washington Commanders. Former LSU quarterback and current Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels was the consensus pick No. 2 in ESPN’s mock drafts prior to tonight, so it’s almost certain that he will likely be the one chosen. However, former UNC quarterback Drake Maye is also chosen.

Daniels, who threw 40 touchdowns and 4 interceptions last yr, looks to be the subsequent dynamic NFL quarterback. He’s big (6-foot-10), has a powerful arm, and his speed has been compared to quarterback Lamar Jackson, the two-time MVP of the Baltimore Ravens.

For fans who have not had a player like this in greater than a decade since Robert Griffin III was drafted in 2012, Daniels may very well be the one to finally – finally – make the Washington franchise relevant again. And do it as a black quarterback. There’s at all times hyperbole in situations like this, but Daniels may finally be that guy.

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell steps up to the rostrum to announce the commanders, everyone within the restaurant stops in his tracks.

“Here we go,” one fan shouts, “Jayden to the rescue.”

Daniels was chosen.

Washington fans have had terrible draft pick luck through the years. Receiver Terry McLaurin, a third-round pick within the 2019 draft, was a very good pick, but ask him about bad picks they usually can easily name them: Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Chase Young, Jonathan Allen, Ryan Anderson. “…We chose Patrick Ramsey,” said Lionel Redd, 44, who’s wearing a T-shirt that reads: “I’m proud he hates the Cowboys.”

But turn the query around and ask fans about their top draft picks and all of it comes back to one name: Griffin.

The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner burst onto the scene in his first game for the Washington Redskins in 2012, completing over 73% of his passes for 320 yards, two touchdowns and a further 42 yards on the bottom. More would come later in his rookie season, as Griffin dazzled along with his legs and arms, totaling 4,015 yards and 27 touchdowns.

The future looked vibrant for each Griffin and the franchise. That was until Griffin tore his ACL within the playoffs, never regained his superstar form from his first season, and left the team in 2016.

“I just wish he knew how to take care of himself and learn to skate,” Redd said. “He might have won the Super Bowl.”

For those interviewed for this story, an important takeaway from Thursday’s selection was that commanders chosen someone who could contribute immediately and who would remain because the starter for a while. The last Washington quarterback to lead the team in passing yards for five straight seasons was Mark Rypien (1989-1993).

If Daniels stays on target, he’s destined to be a long-term command option on the position.

In five college seasons (three at Arizona and the last two at LSU), Daniels amassed 12,750 passing yards, 3,307 rushing yards and 123 total touchdowns. His most impressive season got here in 2023, when he threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns after which rushed for a further 1,134 yards and 10 scores. Daniels did this by playing error-free, throwing just 4 interceptions and being sacked 22 times (down from 43 in 2022).

Daniels has a powerful arm (nation-leading 11.7 yards per attempt) and might run the ball in addition to any starting player within the league. Daniels is not shaken by various defensive coverages or situations wherein coordinators determine to attack him. As Daniels’ 8.4-yard cross-country average last yr shows, he also can take off.

Before the Commanders selected Daniels, fans on the DCity Smokehouse were asked who they wanted the team to select. Most of them fell on Daniels, praising him for his speed and, more importantly, his passing ability.

“First and foremost, he throws,” said Kenny Anyikud, 32, a Washington native.

Cedric “DJ Mello T” Curtis, a hometown musician who has written many anthems in regards to the Washington franchise (“Let’s Go Redskins,” “Commander Stomp”), notes Daniels’ big arm and quick release but is worried in regards to the quarterback situation a leaner frame (Daniels weighs 210 kilos) holds his own within the NFL.

“Personally, I think Daniels is too light in the butt,” Curtis said, comparing Daniels’ physique to Griffin’s.

In addition to Daniels’ ability on the sphere, he also represents more of the Washington region. Racism has permeated every crevice in American sports, however the Commanders find themselves within the unlucky position of being the last NFL team to racially integrate their roster. The first black quarterback to start and win the Super Bowl was Washington’s Doug Williams in 1987. Since 2005, the team has drafted three quarterbacks in the primary round: Jason Campbell, Griffin and Dwayne Haskins.

Being a black quarterback in Washington means something. While the remainder of the world probably doesn’t think much of Griffin the player anymore (Griffin currently works for ESPN as an analyst), his name remains to be respected within the district thanks to only one season of service. For an area that is almost 45% black, Washington is exclusive in its association with black quarterbacks. Williams, for instance, still often visits Ben’s Chili Bowl, the neighborhood’s top Black-owned restaurant.

Melvin Hines, founding father of DCity Smokehouse, one other Black-owned establishment, has been a lifelong Washington fan, dating back to when his father had season tickets to Redskins games. Although the years under Daniel Snyder’s ownership have tested Hines’ faith, he still watches every game and is willing to host a draft party for the team’s fans. While winning was an important think about deciding the commanders Thursday night, Hines knows how necessary it’s to have someone who looks like Daniels playing here.

“Seeing a black quarterback is inspiring,” Hines said. “Seeing a black quarterback thrive makes me feel a little better.”

Hines has an 8-year-old son who loves the NBA because he sees the faces of black players and identifies with them. He wants the identical from the preferred team within the district.

“It means a lot to these young people,” he said.

Gabriel Olaiya is a friend of Anyikuda who also grew up in Washington. While Olaiya can list all of Daniels’ strengths as if he were writing a scouting report, it means something to him that a black point guard plays on his favorite team.

“I will always stand up for our people,” Olaiya said. “Absolutely.”

Anyikud imagines what a man like Daniels could do along with his fan base. Most Commanders home games, especially against NFC East rivals the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, can sometimes feel like away games given the sheer variety of opposing fans within the stadium. A player like Daniels can change that.

“It’s called Chocolate City, so why not?” Anykiud said. “Why not bring back Chocolate City? Put more butts within the seats.

But a player’s race doesn’t necessarily equate to success. In football, all the pieces is dependent upon winning. And for musician Curtis, the band’s success sets a precedent.

“The only colors I identify with, brother, are burgundy and gold,” he said, referring to the Commanders’ team colours. “And green for the dollar.”

While Daniels’ success is dependent upon him becoming the second coming of Jackson moderately than Griffin, it isn’t entirely up to him. The coaching staff, offices and team property are integral to player development. Until recently, commanders were a multitude from top to bottom.

Ron Rivera was fired as coach in early January after going 26-40-1 in 4 seasons. And that pales compared to the damage Snyder has done to the franchise since becoming majority owner in 1999. Attendance was among the many lowest within the league, Snyder was repeatedly accused of sexual harassment by former employees, and the franchise was subject to quite a few state and federal inspections. investigations. Snyder was also known for meddling in football decisions, including the drafting of Griffin and Haskins. Washington had a record of 164-220-2 from 1999 through 2022.

In 2023, Snyder sold the team to a consortium led by Josh Harris.

“Now that Daniel Snyder is gone, there is no disrespect,” Redd said, before catching himself. “Well, to hell with him, I’m sorry.”

Redd believes the team is finally in good hands with Harris, who also owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, and recent general manager Adam Peters, who won Super Bowls as a scout with the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.

And meaning Daniels actually has a likelihood to succeed.

“I definitely want us to show that now that we have a new owner and new management, we’re going to treat him better and act differently than Dan Snyder unfortunately did,” Redd said.

After Daniels’ selection was announced, I asked Hines how he felt. In his opinion, “we’ll see” because he isn’t very aware of Daniels’ game. Hines notices the energy within the room after the dial – Curtis doing the “Commanders Stomp” – and tells him the band is heading in the suitable direction.

Washington has had many starts and stops, but one draft pick has filled the team’s fans with optimism for the primary time in an extended time. Who knows who Daniels will ultimately change into? But for now, the Commanders are a team value supporting.

“Here we go,” Hines said.