Former Commanders star joins Jayden Daniels' unrelenting hype train

There aren't many who haven't been impressed by Jayden Daniels this offseason. The talented quarterback came into the Washington Commanders with some lofty expectations. He's done nothing to suggest these cannot be reached sooner rather than later.

Daniels got another stern test of his credentials during a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins. Aside from a few mistakes, it was another encouraging morning's work for the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Something that didn't go unnoticed by a former Commanders star who was tasked with keeping his success to a minimum in the passing game.

Veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller departed the Commanders in free agency without much of a fight to keep him around. This was disappointing to some fans given how well he performed in difficult circumstances last season. He got an immediate change of scenery with the Dolphins, who'll slot him opposite All-Pro shutdown presence Jalen Ramsey for what should be a highly productive tandem.

Former Commanders star Kendall Fuller sees great things ahead for Jayden Daniels

Fuller seemed suitably pleased with Daniels based on comments to the media following the session. The defensive back highlighted his maturity and confidence as traits that should result in a profitable career - something the Virginia Tech product believes you don't see from a lot of rookies at this early stage of their development.

"I haven't watched the tape yet, but how he [Jayden Daniels] carries himself. He looks like a pro. He looks like he has an edge. He looks like he trusts in his ability a lot. Even just looking on YouTube, social media, I heard about him checking a play in the first preseason game. To be able to have that confidence as a rookie to go out there and play football, 'cause at the end of the day, a lot of the time we rely on Xs and Os, and sometimes you've just gotta play football. So, I'm excited to compete against him on Saturday and hope he has a great future and enjoys it a lot."

- Kendall Fuller

Daniels was nothing short of sensational during the red-zone portion of practice. He scored five touchdowns and demonstrated the high-caliber poise fans have quickly become accustomed to seeing. Fuller did get an interception off the signal-caller later on, but this was largely down to wide receiver Terry McLaurin slipping rather than anything too errant distribution-wise.

This is another box checked for Daniels. Just how much he plays in the preseason from here on is anyone's guess, but it's unlikely to be more than one series. Especially with backup Marcus Mariota on the shelf currently.

Fuller saw his fair share of wayward signal-callers throughout two separate stints in Washington. He sees something special in Daniels and is the latest in a long line to join his unrelenting hype train.

This opinion holds a ton of weight considering the esteem in which Fuller is held in D.C. These comments only heighten the sense of anticipation around what this franchise could be in for with the Heisman Trophy winner under center.

It won't be smooth sailing all the time for Daniels. But in terms of not just first - but prolonged - impressions over the summer, the Commanders might be onto something with this one.

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