Jayden Daniels became another LSU sensation to take the NFL Draft by storm and now, his team is counting on the Heisman Trophy winner to deliver. Daniels has been working out in the OTAs as the Washington Commanders are learning to take it one step at a time. Dan Quinn’s philosophy of “crawl, walk, run” has been manifesting itself slowly.

DQ showed the presser ready to take on any and every question about how his Commanders deal with the new regimen. To his credit, he sees a boiling pot of progress, leadership, and fellowship stewing well in front of his eyes. Speaking of progress, Washington’s head honcho is hard at work and is seeing the ex-LSU star grow.

Jayden Daniels to progressively take on more workload

The reporter straight up fired the question, “How is Jayden Progressing?” The HC elaborated by saying how Jayden Daniels is focused on his passing reps and that he’s getting “some really good looks” on the field, meaning there aren’t a lot of blitzes of opposing players to pressure him. However, the team is testing Daniels’ skills by plaguing his receivers with man-to-man or 3 deep coverages.

“We’re starting like it’s a big passing camp. So, for the quarterbacks, they’re getting some really good looks, you know. There’s number of coverages now that have gone in you know, from the first day of where it was maybe just three deep and man to man. So to see that type of progress from he and the other quarterbacks, I think that’s good,” said Quinn.

But in the coming time, the Washington Commanders HC will put their prized possession to real test. Quinn wants to include blitzes, observe Daniels in the pocket, and add other team elements to his training. It’s a well-known fact that Jayden Daniels can throw from outside the pocket and can even run the ball efficiently. The Heisman winner had the most QB rushing yards last season, with 1,134 rushing yards to his name.

“In weeks ahead, we’ll add team things to it and blitzes, you know a pocket and that kind of stuff,” said Quinn and added, “I think what jumps not only off the field but tape here what you guys don’t see in the meeting room is just the competitive nature and learning and the command that he has already. So that’s something that speaks to his work ethic.”

But what the Washington HC said about Daniels next is what the QB confirmed to us at EssentiallySports. The Heisman winner has a knack for knowledge and constantly wants to evolve. He admitted that in an exclusive interview with us.

The Washington Commanders signal caller opening up to Essentially Sports!

Though there might have been some hint that Daniels had about his selection, he’s stepping into the league knowing that he wants to evolve. It would be fair to mention his baseline from evolution before that. Daniels is coming off a 10-3 season with the Tigers. There was a time when Daniels created history in the FSB after amassing 372 passing yards and 234 rushing yards in a game against Florida. That might have been a direct result of his maverick ways to run plays.

We asked Jayden Daniels about his special abilities on the field and the QB dropped some gems about what he brings to the table. Daniels comes off as selfless, observant, and empathetic in his dealings with the team members and the staff. The QBs answer reflects the mentality that he’s displayed throughout his college career. A QB getting more than 1,000 rushing yards in a season is a big deal, and Daniels wants to capitalize on his special talent.

“I’d say I kind of just everything. I mean, obviously my ability to make plays outside the pocket, whether it’s throwing the ball on the run or running. That’s something I’m very strong about. But really everything,” said the QB. He added, “How can I expand my knowledge of the game? How can I go out there and, you know, figure out ways to lead grown men that have family coming in the league.”

Daniels’ statements confirmed what Dan Quinn assessed about him the OTAs, their statements coincide and corroborate with each other. Quinn and Daniels are on the same page. The QB is already looking for ways to improve as the pressure piles up, he knows how to establish a relationship in the locker room and more so, is focused on learning the dynamics of the NFL one step at a time.