3 Commanders rookies under the most pressure at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
There aren't many rookies around the league under more pressure than Jayden Daniels. The Washington Commanders gave him the keys to their kingdom after using the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft to secure his services. This could completely transform the organization if everything goes according to plan.
Daniels has the weight of an entire franchise on his young shoulders. He isn't showing any signs of being overwhelmed, taking everything in his stride and making an incredibly smooth transition. That's a positive start, but what comes next over camp will be more pivotal to his aspirations of taking the NFL by storm in 2024.
The Heisman Trophy winner isn't taking anything for granted. Daniels' exceptional work ethic and tireless commitment to improving went down extremely well with coaches and teammates alike over early offseason workouts. He's first into the building every morning, putting in the hard yards to ensure optimum performance levels. He'll need plenty of help, but the Commanders seem to be in good hands at long last.
Optimism is increasing with every passing day around Daniels. His natural aura and on-field talent are traits that fans are naturally gravitating towards. Not since the days of Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins have the Commanders had any stable presence under center. The former LSU star has a chance to change all that and help awaken a sleeping giant.
Watching how Daniels copes with the added intensity of training camp will provide a broader indication of his immediate prospects. The Commanders have some decent pass-catchers and a strong rushing attack to help him on the way. Concerns remain about the offensive line, but the quarterback's dual-threat ability should help offset these questions to a certain extent.
Daniels looks like a superstar. He carries himself like a franchise quarterback. If both come true sooner rather than later, it won't be much longer before the Commanders emerge from obscurity and back to the NFL's top table.