“When you watched him in the pocket, you’re like, ‘Man, it’s just so pure,” Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky marveled about Jayden Daniels before the Commanders picked him as their phenom in the NFL Draft 2024. Meanwhile, in the electrifying world of the NFL where rookie quarterbacks often face immense pressure to deliver, a tantalizing trifecta has emerged – Daniels, CJ Stroud, and Caleb Williams.

Former NFL defensive back Louis Riddick has boldly proclaimed Daniels as the “best quarterback” among this star-studded trio. “Jayden didn’t run from responsibility at LSU, he ran towards it,” Riddick stated on the John Keim Report today praising Daniels’ championship mindset.

“He is Rock Solid he will not crack he will not shrink he will not run away from the responsibility of being a franchise quarterback and then when you get all that out of the way and you just watch him throw yeah it’s beautiful it’s the repeatable mechanics the consistency feet hips torso the ability to change arm angles that compact quick delivery velocity combination of velocity and touch hit all levels of the field and then his ability to run I mean come on man I mean how can you not be just fired up as hell about that” Riddick gushed with excitement.

Daniels himself has set lofty goals, declaring during a recent appearance on All Facts No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson, “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to do better than [Stroud] his rookie year.” This competitive fire fueled his Heisman-winning campaign at LSU, where he torched defenses for 4,946 yards and 50 touchdowns. Notably, in a game against Florida, Daniels single-handedly accounted for 606 of LSU’s 701 total yards, leaving the Gators’ defense in shambles.

Meanwhile, Stroud’s standout rookie season with the Houston Texans has raised the bar. The former Buckeye burst onto the scene, passing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns en route to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. His clutch game-winning drives, like the one against Cincinnati, showcased his poise under pressure.

Not to be outdone, Caleb Williams has already drawn comparisons to NFL greats like Patrick Mahomes. The Chicago Bears‘ prized acquisition dazzled at USC, throwing for nearly 10,000 yards and 120 touchdowns in his college career. His Mahomes-like throws and emotional connection to the game have left fans and teammates in awe.

As these three young gunslingers prepare to take the league by storm, the anticipation is palpable. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of rookie quarterbacks? The stage is set, and the journey begins for Daniels to navigate the hype storm.

Jayden Daniels’ uphill battle of managing expectations amidst Hype

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional football, where hype and expectations often collide, Daniels finds himself at the center of a whirlwind. As comparisons to CJ Stroud elevate the anticipation surrounding the former LSU standout, navigating the delicate balance between optimism and realism becomes a crucial task.

While the Commanders’ brass has heaped praise on Daniels, with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury gushing to reporters, “He’s intentional in everything he does,” the rookie signal-caller faces a daunting path. Adapting to a new offensive system, shouldering the weight of a franchise seeking a quarterback savior, and leading a team that finished 4-13 last season – these are no small tasks for a rookie, no matter how talented.

As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported, “There’s talk about how in rookie minicamp the ball barely touched the ground – if at all – because of all the completions.” While such early praise is encouraging, it’s crucial to temper expectations. Daniels’ development may not follow a linear trajectory, and his path to stardom will be paved with obstacles.

Riddick, who likened Daniels to Stroud’s impressive rookie campaign, offered a measured perspective: “Obviously, Dan’s situation is much different.” Recognizing the unique challenges Daniels faces, Riddick’s words serve as a reminder to appreciate the complexities of a rookie’s journey.

As the curtain rises on the 2024 NFL season, the rookie quarterback trifecta of Daniels, Stroud, and Williams promises to captivate audiences with their contrasting styles, collegiate legacies, and potential for greatness. While the debate rages on over who will emerge as the leading man, one thing is certain: the show is just getting started, and Daniels is determined to steal the spotlight, one play at a time.