Commanders Rumors: Jayden Daniels ‘On Course’ Ahead of Training Camp, NFL Preseason

zach bacharContributor IJune 17, 2024

John McDonnell/ for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels appears to be progressing smoothly through his first NFL offseason.

One member of the Commanders organization admitted that Daniels may have some room to grow, but he should be ready once the 2024 season begins.

“He’s a rookie,” the member said, per ESPN’s John Keim. “There’s still a lot to learn. At the same time, he’s on course.”

Daniels was selected by Washington with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft after a phenomenal senior campaign at LSU. He won the 2023 Heisman Trophy by completing 72.2 percent of his throws for 3,812 yards in 12 games, racking up 40 touchdown passes compared to four interceptions.

The 23-year-old thrived as a dual-threat quarterback for the Tigers, racking up 1,134 yards and 10 more scores on the ground.

While rookie quarterbacks typically aren’t a finished product in June, it’s a positive sign that Daniels already seems to be making a strong impression on his teammates as well as his coaching staff.

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin called the rookie “charismatic,” while offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury told reporters that Daniels has shown that his “football IQ is really high” as he learns Washington’s playbook (via Keim).

Although Commanders head coach Dan Quinn hasn’t committed to a Week 1 starter between the rookie and veteran Marcus Mariota, Daniels appears to be on the right track to receive playing time in his first year with training camp and the preseason still ahead.