Nothing changes for Jayden Daniels after becoming Commanders QB1

Jayden Daniels came into the Washington Commanders as the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had a bigger bullseye on his back than most and loftier expectations than almost any other rookie embarking on the next stage of their respective journeys. What followed was a sensational offseason that left no doubt he'd be the starting quarterback right out of the gate.

The Commanders made Daniels earn the distinction every step of the way. Dan Quinn had everyone who survived Adam Peters' drastic roster revamp working with a clean slate. Nothing was going to be given. However, it seemed obvious from a long way out that the Heisman Trophy winner would be under center in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After resisting the urge, Quinn finally relented. He named Daniels as the starter following another polished performance in Washington's second preseason game at the Miami Dolphins. That was the easy part for the former LSU star. Meeting some high targets in Year 1 of his professional career will be much more challenging.

Jayden Daniels relying on Commanders teammates during pivotal rookie year

Daniels knows there is a massive weight on his shoulders. He's embracing the responsibility and wants to help the team rather than trying to do too much. That sort of elite-level mentality has served him well up to now. The Commanders hope the same approach ensures he flourishes and spearheads their renaissance moving forward.

Instead of assuming an alpha role, Daniels wants to let established veterans take the mantle and earn the privilege of being an established figure in the locker room based on comments via Washington's website. He'll be relying on them as much and they're relying on him. This collective mindset pursuing one common goal is the spark that can ignite the Commanders to brighter days.

"I mean, I just say I'm a rookie, so I gotta come out here and prove it. What I did in college doesn't matter. There's guys that's been in this league that are proven, so for me it's just knowing my role. They weren't looking at me because I got drafted where I got drafted to come here and be a leader. We got great veterans around and like I said, even Marcus [Mariota], for him be able to go out there and take me under his wing, helped help mold me to be prepared, stuff like that. Giving me pointers after plays or we might see this look, you might have to do this and stuff like that. So, we got great veterans around."

- Jayden Daniels via Commanders.com

This is a process. Daniels has passed every test so far with flying colors. He's got the keys to the kingdom. But he knows that getting too carried away and thinking the job is done will be to his detriment.

Any skeptics surrounding Washington's decision to draft Daniels should be convinced after the smoothest transition imaginable. Proving it between the lines in a regular season setting will be a graver challenge. That said, the Cajon High School product is taking everything in his stride, doing everything that's asked of him and much more.

Nobody disputed that Daniels would be the starting quarterback in Week 1. What's less certain is how he'll fare with the pace much quicker and the margins for error much slimmer at the next level.

That's to be determined. But make no mistake, Daniels is taking absolutely nothing for granted despite fulfilling his lifelong dream.

This, above all else, is the most positive thing of all.

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