5 critical observations from Commanders 2024 training camp Day 3

Jayden Daniels' competitive edge

Jayden Daniels is a competitive guy. He knows getting to the NFL was just the first step. The rookie quarterback taken No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft must prove himself all over again with some lofty expectations on his shoulders.

Daniels is competing with veteran free-agent signing Marcus Mariota, splitting reps with the former Oregon star en route to the starting job at some stage. Most see this as a foregone conclusion, so leaving it too long jeopardizes the LSU product's chances of getting enough chemistry with his primary pass-catchers before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dan Quinn stated when the time is right, Daniels will be confirmed as the No. 1 option. He's not there just yet, but the Heisman Trophy winner isn't too concerned and will compete regardless based on comments via Fan Nation.

"I mean I like competing. I'm a competitor so regardless if I was announced (as the) starter or not, you still got to compete. You still can't be content (with) your job, comfortable, and think it is just your job and [you've] sealed the deal. You got to go out there and compete. So for me, it is not a problem at all. I like competing. That's up to (head coach Dan Quinn) and (general manager Adam Peters) for the decisions and stuff like that. But for me, I can control how hard I go out there and practice and how I compete."

- Jayden Daniels via Fan Nation

Keeping the same mentality through every scenario and eventuality is essential for Daniels. He's got the talent to take the NFL by storm right out of the gate. The signal-caller is also going to go through difficult stretches. Relying on what got him this far should limit the risk of unnecessary complexities during Year 1 of his professional career.

It's not a matter of if, but when Daniels is officially named QB1. But make no mistake, the competitive fire will continue to burn long after the announcement is made.