Jayden Daniels made a smooth transition to the Washington Commanders. His on-field talent and exceptional work ethic wowed coaches and won over teammates quickly. This hasn't gone unnoticed by those across the league.
Daniels was a hot commodity during the pre-draft evaluation process. The Las Vegas Raiders were keen on moving up to acquire the player. Others also put in calls, but general manager Adam Peters made it clear from a long way out the Commanders wouldn't be tempted.
Looking at Daniels' early integration, it's not hard to see why.
Commanders could be scary with Jayden Daniels
This was a sentiment echoed by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. When speaking to people around the NFL, the senior insider got several unprompted references regarding Daniels. Scouts and other front-office executives believe the Commanders will be a scary proposition if their offensive line provides the necessary security.
"Jayden Daniels, not only did he have a very strong spring by all accounts, but there's definitely buzz league-wide. As I talk to people this time of year about different players, bigger picture items, I've spoken to multiple scouts and executives who've brought up Daniels unprompted. They're like 'hey, it's kinda scary what Washington could be with Daniels'. Because he's got the running ability but he's more polished as a passer than a lot of running quarterbacks coming out of college. Really the only knock on him right now is the offensive line. If they can get that shored up, Daniels could very well take off in Year 1. That's the expectation among a lot of people around the league."
- Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
This is in keeping with the NFL looking at the Commanders a little differently these days. There is hope, purpose, and a clear vision for the future. It might take time, but Daniels has the tools to spearhead these ambitious plans and get Washington back to their rightful place among the league's elite operations.
Daniels won't have it all his way. Rookie quarterbacks get a welcome to the NFL moment or two during their first season in a professional environment. The player's temperament should ensure he takes the rough with the smooth successfully.
It's hard to ignore the momentum building around Daniels. Excitement is increasing about what he could potentially achieve with the Commanders. He's reinvigorated a fanbase and left many dreaming of better days following decades of misery.
Expecting Daniels to enjoy a season similar to what C.J. Stroud managed with the Houston Texans last season is unrealistic. That was an anomaly rather than commonplace. However, there's nothing to suggest the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU cannot firmly establish himself as a franchise-caliber long-term option.
The league is taking notice of Daniels. There's a long way to go, but the anticipation is growing to levels not seen for some time in the nation's capital.
This puts a bigger target on Daniels' back than most. But it's nothing the signal-caller isn't more than ready for en route to potential superstardom.
If the same trend continues leading into Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it won't take long for Daniels to repay the faith shown in him by the front office.
