Jayden Daniels rode the crest of a wave during a rookie campaign for the ages. One former Washington Commanders player believes this is just the start of a sensational career ahead.
Daniels was the consensus choice at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Those in power knew about his talent after winning the Heisman Trophy at LSU. Once they learned more about his work ethic, values, and high character, there were no doubts whatsoever.
The signal-caller repaid this faith quickly. Daniels won over veterans over the offseason. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury took things cautiously over the first two games. When the schematic shackles came off, the dual-threat weapon went to a different stratosphere.
This is the franchise-caliber presence under center everyone associated with the Commanders has been waiting for. Daniels' flawless composure, supreme accuracy, dynamic traits, and ability to come through in the clutch became the catalyst behind Washington's resurgence. Their fairytale run eventually fell agonizingly short of the Super Bowl, but that doesn't detract from the team's sensational accomplishments.
Vernon Davis tips Commanders QB Jayden Daniels to be an all-time great
Add Vernon Davis to the ever-growing list of people who were blown away by Daniels. The ex-tight end gushed about the Cajon High School product when speaking with FanSided on Radio Row. He even proclaimed that if the same trend continues, Washington's quarterback could go down as one of the all-time greats.
"I thought they did a wonderful job. They met a lot of expectations and with what they had, you cannot take that away from them. As they continue to go on and build on what they were able to do, they're only going to get better. I think when it's all said and done, he's [Jayden Daniels] going to go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. If he continues to build on what we saw this past year, the sky's the limit for the young man."Vernon Davis via FanSided
All this adulation is nice for Daniels. It won't mean much in the grand scheme of things to the player, who cares more about winning as a team than any individual accomplishments. He wants to be the best and will stop at nothing to reach his goals.
There is no settling. There is no complacency. Losing in the final four is only going to inspire him to work harder. That's a scary thought for defensive coordinators around the league who didn't have the answers to counteract him effectively in Year 1 of his professional career.
As Davis said, the Commanders must also do their part. They have to maximize Daniels' rookie contract and surround him with the supporting cast needed to excel. The first-rounder will meet his end of the bargain, but Washington has to go all-in with their Super Bowl window officially open.
Davis thinks that Daniels has what it takes. He's also confident that this is the beginning of Washington's glory days returning after decades of decay. Turning this dream into a reality is difficult, but there's nothing to suggest they cannot pull it off.
Daniels can take over games by himself. When he gets more help, another bold playoff bid won't be too far behind.
Vernon Davis spoke on behalf of Smirnoff.