3 winners (and 1 loser) from Commanders 2024 rookie minicamp

Winner No. 2

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

Jayden Daniels was the talk of the town throughout his rookie minicamp. The quarterback has high expectations on his young shoulders after the Washington Commanders selected him at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. After working out a deal to get the No. 5 from Tress Way following a classy gesture from the Pro Bowl punter, it was time to make a statement.

Daniels has the sort of aura that everyone can get behind. Based on reports by those in attendance, it was an almost flawless opening to life in a Commanders' uniform. There is a lot of hard work ahead and some stiffer challenges to come, but there was a lot to like about the way he conducted himself.

One thing that came across was Daniels' passing accuracy and outstanding mechanics. He gets the football out of his hands quickly and with velocity. His touch over short to intermediate routes was pleasing and the signal-caller's effortless downfield accuracy became another positive throughout an encouraging first two days of practice.

Nobody is getting too carried away at this juncture. That said, Daniels is embracing the responsibility of leading one of the league's most historic franchises back to prominence. He's also done a terrific job of keeping emotions in check and staying focused on the task at hand.

Daniels is setting the example for others to follow. There's a completely different feel around the building thanks in no small part to his arrival. This is only the first stage and there is a lot more growth needed, but one couldn't be anything other than impressed by the way he went about his business.

Next up for the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU is integrating successfully around Washington's established veterans during upcoming minicamps. That will be a tougher challenge for Daniels - who'll need to prove himself all over again. But his mindset and overall talent should ensure this phase of his immersion should go off without a hitch.