The Washington Commanders will start training camp in July, the rookies will report on the 18th and the Jayden Daniels era will begin. Washington’s training camp will occur at the OrthoVirginia Training Camp Center at Commanders Park in Ashburn, VA.
Washington may not be the team to beat in the NFC East but the selection of Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick is causing buzz around the league. The last time the Commanders drafted a QB within the top ten was Robert Griffin III in 2012.
The Commanders Best Option Week 1 is to Start Jayden Daniels
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that teams around the league are scared of what the Commanders’ rookie QB could become. He is a dual-threat quarterback who has the intangibles to become a superstar.
In my talks with teams this summer, multiple people around league, unprompted, brought up Jayden Daniels – and what he can be in Washington. Here’s why: pic.twitter.com/Bdqd8gdUYx
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 28, 2024
Daniels will be able to grow in this franchise because of their new ownership group, head coach Dan Quinn, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. If the season started today, the rookie quarterback would have to battle it out with Marcus Mariota, Sam Hartman, and Jeff Driskel.
Here are three reasons why Jayden Daniels should start in Week 1.
3. Commanders Dual Threat
Daniels will have a chance to take the league by storm because the opposing team’s defenses don’t have any professional film on him. At LSU, he won the Heisman in 2023, he passed for 3,812 yards, threw 40 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,134 yards.
The 2023 Heisman winner will be able to break down defenses with his dual-threat capabilities. Coupled with his dual-threat abilities, new offensive coordinator Kingsbury will help him play to his strengths.
As of now, Daniels needs to improve on being consistent with his throwing mechanics. He can throw accurately but has lapses in his ability to connect with wide receivers when facing pressure.
Nonetheless, Washington’s new coaching staff will be able to boost the rookie’s confidence. His ability to run is a blessing and a curse because of the possibility of injury.
Sometimes rookie QBs rely on their ability to run when being blitzed which can open them up to hard hits. Kingsbury’s spread offense will put JD in a position to get the ball out quickly.
The fact that the 2024 draft pick relies on his arm will make it easier for him to develop quickly.
2. Terry McLaurin Endorses Daniels
JD should start week one because of Terry McLaurin endorsing the rookie QB. The starting receiver mentioned the composure that his teammate plays with and his level of confidence.
During the highs and lows of McLaurin’s tenure in the nation’s capital, he continued to be the ultimate professional. He doesn’t have the LeBron James general manager power but his buy-in should be regarded.
Last season, Scary Terry finished the season with 79 receptions, 1,002 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. Couple with his 2023 season stats, he was able to accomplish this with background noise and QB issues.
The 6-foot wideout will be an easy target for Daniels to connect with because of his speed and route running. The two will build chemistry quickly and it could compare to Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill.
1. Past Rookie Success
The rookie QB should start because of the past success that rookies have had. C.J. Stroud took the league by storm last season and became the fifth rookie to throw for 4,000 yards.
Stroud threw 23 touchdowns and had a game-high 470 passing yards in a game and broke the rookie record. Just like the Houston Texans, the Commanders need to get fresh blood in the franchise.
The Indianapolis Colts had success with Anthony Richardson before he had season-ending surgery. Before his injury, he had a 59.5 percent completion rate and threw for 577 yards in four games.
In the past, Robert Griffin III (2012), Baker Mayfield (2018) Justin Herbert (2020) have set the standard for rookies to be successful.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
