Rookie phenom tips Commanders structure to help Jayden Daniels thrive

Jayden Daniels was the quarterback chosen by the Washington Commanders at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. It took time for Adam Peters and others in positions of power to get themselves to a comfortable point, but nothing but a comprehensive assessment process would do after such a woeful period of failed acquisitions at the position under previous regimes.

It's time to focus on football at last. Daniels has stated his intent to grind in pursuit of greatness despite unfair questions about his commitment to the Commanders since his unusual 30-visit. Looking at the signs, this also looks like a pretty decent situation for the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU after plenty of change and frantic activity behind the scenes this offseason.

Commanders setting things up well for Jayden Daniels

Following the pick, rookie sensation C.J. Stroud thought the similarities between his situation with the Houston Texans and Daniels' were there for all to see. It unsurprisingly received some pushback from Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons, but last year's No. 2 pick laid out a strong argument that centered on the productive playmaking trio of Jahan Dotson, Brian Robinson Jr., and Terry McLaurin.

"I feel like Jayden's situation is a little similar to mine, what I came into. Laremy [Tunsil] did wonders for me, but at the same time, I had to get the ball out. I think Terry [McLaurin] and Jahan [Dotson], bro, I think they are so underrated as a duo. Dotson is nice, but with them also having a good running back in Brian Robinson, I think Jayden has the opportunity to make some of their offensive linemen right."

This was a sentiment echoed by Daniels during his post-draft media availability. The dual-threat signal-caller stated he was eager to meet his new teammates and get to work. However, the former Tiger also signaled the coaching combination of head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury out for special praise.

"DQ is a great guy that a lot of people speak highly of who he is as a person and how he cares about his players. So I was excited to be around him and just the offensive staff. The track record speaks for itself. Obviously, Kliff [Kingsbury] was over with Kyler [Murray] and what he did as a head coach, and for quite some time he had Kyler in the MVP conversation. So I was excited to be able to just chop it up and talk ball with him."

This is a far cry from Daniels not being too keen on the Commanders. There's excitement about what could be accomplished in his quest to bring one of the league's most storied franchises off their knees. If he goes on to achieve anything like what Stroud managed during his first season in the pros, it'll be a pick well spent.

Stroud was an anomaly regarding rookie quarterback success. It was a historic campaign, so expecting Daniels to reach the same heights would be foolish. Even if it's a high bar he'll be aiming for when it's time to get down to business.

Approach with cautious optimism, but hopes are high this could finally solve Washington's complex riddle under center. And make no mistake, the options around Daniels are only going to get better with Peters leading the charge.