Key Takeaways:
– His performance notwithstanding, Washington Commanders’ LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels remains open to the franchise’s decision regarding his role at Week 1.
– The Commanders have beefed up their roster with rare backup possibilities in quarterback position.
– Despite a sterling college performance and a Heisman Trophy win, Daniels maintains a humble stance pushing all franchise decisions above himself as a player.
– The rookie quarterback evidences an immense potential as he gears up for the start of his professional football career.
The rookie quarterback of the Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels, didn’t anticipate a role limited to the sidelines in the wake of his No. 2 overall draft. Fresh from a glorious college football career at LSU, Daniels’ candidness on Commanders potentially picking him as the Week 1 starter made news.
Talking on the Heels of Draft Stardom
In a podcast conversation with NFL veteran Keyshawn Johnson, Daniels expressed his readiness but also his acceptance of the Commanders’ decision on when he’ll start playing. While eager and optimistic, he respects the strategy and decisions of the franchise that drafted him.
He remarked, “I’m confident in my abilities, but that’s a decision they’ve got to make. They didn’t tell me, ‘Oh, you’ve got to start Week 1.’ They simply conveyed that readiness would be the key trigger to when I’d start.”
Daniels’ Credentials and Performance
Daniels, having won the Heisman Trophy in 2023, brings remarkable credentials with him. His college football record gleams with 3,812 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions along with 1,134 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. His prowess as a dual-threat quarterback makes him a promising asset in the franchise’s arsenal.
Commanders’ Backup Army and Daniels’ Entry
Despite Daniels’ striking abilities, the Commanders have wisely set up a comprehensive backup plan. The team enters offseason workouts with five quarterbacks including Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel, Jake Fromm, and undrafted free agent Sam Hartman.
Considered well-equipped to mentor or substitute Daniels, Mariota comes with significant NFL experience. Having donned the Tennessee Titans’ uniform as No. 2 overall pick in 2015, Mariota brings stable yet, sporadic performance records from the Titans and Falcons.
With Driskel and Fromm collectively representing nearly a decade of varied experience, the Commanders’ decision to gradually introduce Daniels into the equation seems strategically sound.
Rookie Daniels’ Starting Experience Advantage
Despite being a rookie, Daniels’ experience as a starting quarterback during his college tenure at Arizona State and LSU could put him ahead of others. His 55-game starting streak across five seasons makes him a strong candidate for an early debut as a professional starter.
Furthermore, it’s not just Daniels who might get to kickstart his career with the Commanders in Week 1. OurLads.com lists cornerback Mike Sainristil and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey as potential starters.
In the Aftermath of the Draft
Celebrating the draft results, Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame gave the Commanders an “A+” rating, deeming their drafted roster the cream of the crop. His commendation shed light on the Commanders’ successful strategy of securing top-ranked players and omitting less relevant ones in the draft.
As anticipation builds up for the Commanders’ inaugural game of the season, eyes remain closely tuned to the inclusion of rookie Jayden Daniels in the squad.