With the NFL season starting next month, teams have drafted a number of young and talented players this year. One such pick is the Washington Commanders’ quarterback, Jayden Daniels. Having won the Heisman Trophy Award last year, he has been emerging as one of the finest rookies of 2024. The QB continuously proves himself in the training camp with his pinpoint accuracy, deft touch on his throws, and electrifying speed, which make him a dual threat on the field. During the camp and preseason, the rookie has been in the spotlight. Moreover, Daniels has been earning plenty of appreciation and turning heads with his impressive performances!

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin praised Daniels for his impressive ability to make quick and smart decisions during the match. He said, “I felt like he did a good job of getting the ball out of his hands and making quick decisions. That’s what he has been doing all camp.”

Apart from getting appreciation from his own team, Daniels has been gathering the attention of other teams as well. During a joint practice between the Washington Commanders and the New York Jets, the Jets’ players got a chance to see Daniels’ potential and the game up close. Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner enjoyed a fun chatter with the rookie and even managed to break up one of Jayden’s passes for good measure.

Talking about the rookie QB, Gardner praised him and said, “He’s going to be nice. We were talking, and he said, ‘I would have been able to get that throw over anybody but you.’ We had a fun conversation, where we both were joking.” It seems like Gardner and Daniels really enjoyed the practice together. The Jets CB laughed at how much Jayden talks, remembering how he had playfully teased the rookie by calling him ‘young.’ Gardner stated, “You know, those LSU guys, they talk a lot. When we first lined up I was saying, ‘He young, he young.’ I was just trolling him out there.”

Apart from having fun conversations with Daniels, Sauce also motivated the QB by appreciating him for his throws and skills. He enjoyed the challenge of going up against the rookie quarterback, noting that despite being new to the league, Daniels clearly has the talent to make an impact. He stated, “I just told him, ‘Man, you’re going to be real good.’ It was great to just be able to line up against him. As a CB, you want to go against a rookie quarterback, but he’s one of those guys, he’s developed. He was drafted that high, he had some great throws out there.” Receiving appreciation from your own team members is common, but getting recognition from other teams as a rookie is something that makes you a standout!

Is Jayden Daniels over-hyped or really an amazing player?

NFL’s second overall draft pick Jayden Daniels has been making waves since his selection in the Commanders. Jayden made a name for himself with an incredible season at LSU, throwing 40 touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns. And that’s not all. He got just four interceptions, highlighting his capability as a dual-threat QB.

Commanders’ HC Dan Quinn indicated that Daniels has earned the starting position for the team’s preseason opener against the Jets due to his admirable performances throughout training camp. Quinn also praised Daniels for his flexibility, humility, confidence, competitiveness, and readiness to make an impact beyond just playing quarterback. Moreover, he called him ‘bold’ and ‘determination.’ 

Talking about the QB’s skills, he said, “He is playing the position. Excellent. Not just throwing and so that’s the thing that somebody wouldn’t see at a pro day of changing a protection, getting into the right thing, making the right decision of where to go with the football.”

Commanders Tight End Zach Ertz also praised Daniel, stating, “Many times we talk about rookies like, ‘This player is gonna be good.’ Jayden is good now.”

Jayden’s impressive track record backs this up. Starting 55 games for over five college seasons, he racked up 12,750 passing yards and 89 touchdowns, showing his capabilities. The player didn’t waste much time establishing his name in the NFL. He has already been viewed as a key player for the Commanders’ future, showcasing impressive skills since joining the team.