Amidst a flurry of praise from teammates and coaches alike, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels remains grounded in his approach as he navigates his first offseason with the Washington Commanders.
Selected second overall in this past April’s NFL Draft, Daniels has been touted as a potential savior for the historic NFC East franchise who has been suffering through dark times over the past several years.
While Daniels has garnered attention for his impressive performances during offseason workouts and practices, he remains steadfast in his humility, dismissing any premature acclaim.
“I ain’t a star quarterback yet,” Daniels said. “I got a long way to go. I’m a rookie.”
The Commanders, who haven’t experienced a winning season since 2016, are banking on Daniels to help steer them back to success.
Teammates have not been shy about their admiration for the young quarterback.
“Dude can sling it, man,” right tackle Andrew Wylie said. “He makes it look easy … Something about his game is just special.
“He is smiling, calling plays, making sure everyone’s on the same page, and it’s a special way that he commands the huddle and the respect of the group. I know it’s early, but I’m excited blocking for him.”
Since arriving in Washington, Daniels has maintained a disciplined routine, arriving at the facility well before dawn to study film and conduct walk-throughs with fellow rookie Luke McCaffrey.
He has also sought guidance from veterans such as linebacker Bobby Wagner, emphasizing his dedication to learning and growth.
“If you really, really want to be successful, you want to learn, you want to be a pro at the highest level,” Daniels explained. “You got to take knowledge from people, learn from their routines.
“I just want to learn how to go out there and be a pro. And I’m just trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible.”
Another teammate who has taken note of Daniels’ mature attitude and clear desire to be the best he can be is star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
“It seemed like he knew the entire offense when he got there,” McLaurin said. “He’s in there calling the huddles during the walk-throughs. He’s in there calling the plays and he’s extremely confident.
“And it’s a testament to his preparation and the studying he did on his own. But also, I just think the kid loves ball and he has a good feel for the game. So, I think he really came in with the right mindset and energy and guys are already gravitating toward him.”
Interestingly, McLaurin sees a whole lot of C.J. Stroud in Daniels and feels like a similar rookie season could be in-store for him.
“He started out at Arizona State, goes to LSU, has a good first year, but that second year he takes off, man, and he wins the Heisman – he has them in contention for the playoffs,” McLaurin said.
“He’s just used to winning and used to what it looks like to be a really successful player.
“And as a leader and as his wide receiver, I just want to be the best player I can for him. So, I’m going to push him, and I know he’s going to push me.
“But you don’t have to tell him what to do when it comes to practice. He’s out there early, he’s getting warmed up, and if he doesn’t like a rep that went down in practice, he’s like, hey Terry, let’s come over here let’s get this rep again.
“I think that’s a testament to his work ethic and how he tries to prepare each and every day in practice – because he treats every practice and every rep like it’s a game-rep situation.”
Daniels seems to be putting in the work off-the-field as well. He’s been in contact with his former Arizona State teammate Brandon Aiyuk.
There is speculation that the San Francisco 49ers are more than open to trading Aiyuk if they’re able to get enough in exchange for him.
The Commanders are reportedly one of the teams who are most interested in acquiring the talented receiver.
What are your thoughts on Daniels as a quarterback?
Do you think that he will have as good of a rookie season as Stroud did? … Or is he simply not at that level (yet)?
Do the Commanders have a realistic chance to trade for Aiyuk?
In the bigger picture, will Daniels be the savior of Washington???
