3 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders 2024 training camp Week 2

Winner No. 2

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

The light has come on for Jayden Daniels more over Week 2 of training camp than at any stage during the offseason. That's the highest compliment imaginable considering how seamless the quarterback's transition to the Washington Commanders has been since he was taken No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

All eyes were on Daniels to see how he'd perform when the pads went on. Things get more physical and the margins for error get a little slimmer as the speed intensifies. This was another test the signal-caller passed with flying colors.

Daniels' poise, accuracy at all three levels of the field, and ability to recognize pre-snap pressure were a revelation according to those in attendance. There were highlight-reel throws aplenty - especially to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Sunday's session was also the first legitimate example of how the dual-threat presence under center can impact the ground game.

Dan Quinn hasn't yet named Daniels as the Week 1 starter. He's stated on countless occasions that this will be a process and when the time is right, everyone will know. That doesn't seem too far away now considering how things have gone over the opening two weeks of training camp.

Quinn also announced that Daniels will play in Washington's preseason opener at the New York Jets. This will be the best measuring stick possible at this early stage of his progress. Taking some live fire with the prospect of getting hit in a typical game-day setting represents another opportunity for the Heisman Trophy winner to put the league on notice.

Everything is going according to plan for Daniels up to now. It's not going to be a bed of roses all the time, but players and coaches genuinely believe this is the franchise quarterback the Commanders have needed for decades.

The energy, charisma, and tireless work ethic have come to the fore quickly. Daniels is riding on the crest of a wave. And the best part? This is just the start.