Analyst tips Commanders QB Jayden Daniels for rookie superstardom

Jayden Daniels has brought a hive of anticipation and expectation to the Washington Commanders. Those in power placed a great deal of faith in the quarterback after taking him No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's still early days, but people in the building are already confident they made the right call thanks to his seamless early transition from college to the pros.

Daniels is going to go through some turbulence as a rookie. That's more common around the league than something like C.J. Stroud's exceptional first campaign at the next level. However, the signal-caller has the experience and dynamic traits that might ensure he comes out on the other end smiling.

Jayden Daniels tipped to spearhead Commanders' renaissance

Big things are expected of Daniels and he's keen to deliver. One analyst - Bucky Brooks from the NFL Network - anticipates the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU to reach immediate superstardom based on comments via USA Today Sports. This is thanks to the Commanders placing everything around the dual-threat weapon after some sterling work throughout the offseason

“Absolutely, and I would expect it to be a very similar impact. The reason why is (Washington OC) Kliff Kingsbury has done this before with a young quarterback. Look no further than the work he did with Kyler Murray when Kyler Murray came out of Oklahoma. Right away, Kyler Murray hits the ground running and wins the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, has over 3,500 passing yards, 500 rushing yards and 24 total TDs. I would expect to see that type of production and performance from Jayden Daniels. When you look at Jayden Daniels, he is an elite prospect when it comes to his arm talent and his athleticism. He can put it together whether he is working on the script, or off the script. You look at the talent surrounding him: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, also with Austin Ekeler coming over to give them a threat out of the backfield with Zach Ertz.”

This is a lofty bar for Daniels to aim. He's got enough in his locker to become a franchise-altering prospect under center. But asking too much of the signal-caller initially would be foolish.

Daniels is taking everything in his stride and seems to have an old head on young shoulders. This is always a solid foundation from which to build, but Washington's supporting cast must also raise their performance levels accordingly to give him a fighting chance.

No quarterback can do it alone, not even the greats like Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson. The Commanders' offensive line must keep Daniels out of harm's way. The schematic concepts must suit his strengths. Washington's rushing attack needs to shoulder a heavy burden and their playmakers in the passing game must come through when it counts.

If everything goes according to or better than anticipated, Daniels has a fighting chance. Kliff Kingsbury's work with fledgling quarterbacks previously is something else working in his favor. If this trend continues, then there's a good chance Washington's new franchise guy will be in strong contention for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Daniels has the world at his feet. The Commanders need to make sure he's capable of grasping it with both hands en route to taking the league by storm.