Austin Ekeler Issues Reality Check to Jayden Daniels After Commanders QB Impresses Veterans at OTAs

Jayden Daniels, in his interview with EssentiallySports, confirmed that he wanted to lead the Washington Commanders by an example, and it seems like he’s well underway. A couple of weeks ago, the Washington HC Dan Quinn attested to his leadership skills and told the media that he’ll be subjecting the QB to more pressure as time progresses. Now, the Commanders’ new RB Austin Ekeler seems to be impressed by Daniels as well.

The Commanders signed the RB to a 2-year $8.43 million deal with $3 million in signing bonus and $4.21 million in guarantees. He’s practicing with Daniels in the OTAs and is impressed by the QB’s zeal to learn football and his investment in the Washington Commanders. Ekeler went on to express himself on All Facts No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson.

Austin Ekeler’s advice to Jayden Daniels comes as a shocker

The RB is a veteran in the game and has played with other rookies like Justin Herbert, who had a few phenomenal seasons with the LA Chargers before he succumbed to a season-ending injury. Hence, the RB knows how to guide rookies and ease their NFL journey. But it won’t happen until the rookies engage in a conversation and learn more from players like Ekeler.

“We’re in a situation where we got veterans around this young guy. Like, we are putting him in a position where, ‘Hey, you can immerse yourself into this position, this leadership role as much as you want, and it kind of comes down to what your personality is like’,” said the RB.

He also added, “What I’ve seen so far yesterday coming off the field, I was running a man-beater choice route out of the backfield and we both saw it kind of a different way. He calls me over, ‘Hey Austin, come over here,’ and I’m like, yes, that is exactly what I want to hear from my quarterback.” Daniels initiating these conversations has made him a “leader” in the eyes of the RB.

This was a sign for Austin Ekeler that Daniels is taking the training seriously and he’s progressed so far so quickly in his career. But all these praises come with a catch because the NFL is a different league and Daniels might have to change his ways to persevere longer.

“Protect yourself, damn it, because this ain’t college, man. These guys are big out there. You can’t be taking those hits anymore,” added the RB. Ekeler added those words about the QB needing to protect himself make sense because Daniels has an unconventional way of playing the game.

Why Jayden Daniels needs to protect himself

Jayden Daniels had the most rushing yards coming out of his last year at LSU. The QB recorded 1,134 rushing yards over 135 carries and scored 10 touchdowns. Comparing him to someone in the league, his college performance is reminiscent of what Lamar Jackson, the 2x MVP, is doing in the league right now. Jackson had 821 rushing yards and 5 rushing TD in the last season.

If Daniels runs, there will be a myriad of big-sized players trying to stop him from doing what he wants, which is a dangerous affair. In October 2020, Dak Prescott broke his ankle while trying to rush the ball and had to sit out for the whole season. The Commanders wouldn’t want that to happen to Jayden Daniels because they don’t have anyone as prolific as him to lead their team.

Can Jayden Daniels protect himself while keeping his college ways? What do you think?