4 critical observations from Commanders 2024 minicamp Day 2

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels' mindset

Jayden Daniels is under more scrutiny than most. The quarterback has the daunting challenge of helping the Washington Commanders emerge from football purgatory into respectability and beyond. It won't be easy, but the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is working hard to ensure he meets lofty expectations.

Daniels' exemplary commitment won him immediate respect from veteran teammates. The signal-caller revealed that he's getting into the building at 5.45 a.m. every morning to go over film and other elements of his transition with fellow rookie Luke McCaffrey. This should stand both in tremendous stead when the regular season arrives.

When discussing his approach to life as an NFL player, Daniels revealed he's stripping everything back and looking to prove himself all over again. This also involves learning from the resources available and setting the right tone for others to follow.

"I would say just my everyday approach. Trying to come in and learn as much as possible. From the coaches, the vets, and on the practice field, learning and just going out and competing every day. The learning curve of going out there and learning how to be a pro. I've said that previously in minicamp about wanting to go out there and know about being a pro. That's probably the biggest gap for me [from college]. Having the routine, playbook, stuff like that."

- Jayden Daniels

Everyone knows Daniels has all the talent in the world. But many college quarterbacks who fluffed their lines at the next level could say the same.

Having the correct approach, maintaining a sense of urgency despite accumulating generational wealth before playing a competitive down, and taking this monumental responsibility seriously are good places to start. It's still early in the preparation period, but Daniels seems to have all these high-character traits and more working in his favor.