4 Commanders players with unrealistic expectations in 2024

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

It's been a long time since the Washington Commanders had a franchise-caliber presence at the quarterback position. Those in power feel like they've found their guy after taking Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Daniels' poise, exceptional college production, and tireless work ethic left the Commanders convinced during their extensive evaluations. The Heisman Trophy winner has been lauded for a smooth integration into the franchise. This got the instant respect of his peers in the hope of spearheading Washington's rise to prominence in the coming years.

Most fans are fully on board with the pick. Some wanted Drake Maye to be the choice, but it's hard to look at Daniels' early transition with anything other than encouragement.

Despite the fanbase clamoring for an exciting, productive quarterback, putting too much pressure on Daniels immediately wouldn't be wise. While there's a good chance he can hit the ground running, adopting a wait-and-see approach would be the best course of action.

C.J. Stroud's incredible rise to superstardom last season was an outlier. Not every quarterback enjoys immediate success. Even generational talents such as Peyton Manning and Trevor Lawrence went through huge turmoil as rookies. The same goes for Bryce Young after the Carolina Panthers failed to provide the signal-caller with an environment to flourish.

The Commanders seem to have the structure in place after a dramatic offseason. There are some concerns - most notably regarding the offensive line and the wide receivers aside from Terry McLaurin. Unless the supporting cast meets their end of the bargain, Daniels won't stand a chance.

Daniels has the natural aura players seem to gravitate towards. His exciting playing style should make him an instant fan favorite. But there will be some rough outings for the player looking at the broader landscape of first-year quarterbacks throughout NFL history.

Taking the rough with the smooth is crucial when examining Daniels' performance levels throughout the 2024 season. The pressure is on to provide stability, but don't be surprised if it takes a little time.