Jayden Daniels couldn’t have asked for a better NFL debut. Despite the few ups and downs in his college career, the young professional managed to secure one of the charging teams in the NFL, the Washington Commanders. Since the practice before the upcoming season has been going on, Daniels has looked promising and even RB Austin Ekeler attested to that. However, apart from the praise, the football veteran had a word of advice.

Ekeler’s caution to Jayden Daniels has always been about minimizing injuries because if you run the ball, you’ve got to be able to take a hit. Regarding the same, Ekeler told Pelissero, “He [Daniels] was in college, He got away with that in college. Now he’s in a new atmosphere in the NFL. Look, you’re not going to be able to get away with that. You know, a lot we’ve seen that play itself out, you know, over time with quarterbacks in general, right?” and added, “So leave the running, leave all that stuff to the professionals like myself, who know how to get hit and things like that and take care of our bodies, because you got to be able to throw it.”

Daniels has an affinity to run the ball which might get in the way of a prolonged career. Given how tough and brutal the league can get, this advice from Ekeler looked like a wise direction from a senior player. But even as a veteran, Ekeler looked surprised by the amount of knowledge Daniels has on running the ball. In crux, the ex-Chargers running back wants his quarterback focused on throwing the ball and nothing else.

Austin Ekeler spoke to Tom Pelissero in a segment of NFL Network and talked about Washington Commanders’ training revolving around Jayden Daniels. “We got a stud and Jaden Daniels, he’s an absolute stud out there slinging it,” said the running back and explained how the QB is invested in a running back’s perspective of playing football as well.

“You know, he’s texting me about routes, he’s calling me out in practice. ‘Hey, Ek this is what, this is what we need to do on this. But what did you see on this choice route?’” added the RB. Time and again Ekeler has been very vocal about Jayden Daniels’ leadership skills, leaving him impressed. However, his injury shortcomings with regard to running the ball have created a space of uncertainty around the young QB. Nonetheless, Daniels’ skills have vouched in his favor always.

Jayden Daniels had an unforgettable LSU career

Daniels, in his last collegiate year at LSU, had a whopping 1,134 rushing yards, which was the highest rushing number in college football by any QB. Not to forget his 10 rushing touchdowns in his 2023 college season. But there was one instance in Daniels’ collegiate career that solidified his position as a running quarterback.

During a game with Florida that LSU won 52-35, Daniels broke the FBS records by passing for 372 yards and rushing for another 234 yards, all in one game. Although his antics have some cons of him potentially getting injured, and his receivers not getting enough receptions, things always seem tend to work out in Daniels’ favor. But we might see a different Jayden Daniels in his NFL debut.

Dann Quinn regarding the rookie QB said, “It’s a good thing he’s throwing here and not down at the ballpark.” The coach also told Jim Rome, “He has the humility and the hunger of the young player… but he also has the swagger and calmness of a veteran player. So I think those 50+ starts from ASU and LSU, that seems to come about when you see him on the field, in the huddle, that’s where he’s at his best.”

However, as pointed out by a couple of Washington members, the young QB has a long way to go, especially to meet the likes of Lamar Jackson who excels at running the ball. While experts have often compared the two, Daniels during his interview asserted that he’s his own man.

EssentiallySports asked Jayden Daniels about what aspects of Jackson’s game he admires, to which, the Commanders QB said, “I don’t rеally еmulatе what hе doеs. Hе’s Lamar and I’m Jaydеn. So hе’s onе-on-onе and I am onе-on-onе, I fееl likе so. But I just see just his leadership, his passion for the game, how much he has fun out there. You know, he’s been doubted his whole life. So, two-time MVP is pretty good.”

Jayden Daniels will be opening his season against Baker Mayfield’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium. The Washington team finished their last season with a disappointing record of 4-13. However, this time, the franchise is on a different trajectory. Hiring veterans like Zach Ertz and Austin Ekeler might be all the help that Daniels needs to ease his NFL journey.