NFL Draft Daily Dish: What makes Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels so special

In Friday's edition of NFL Draft Daily Dish, we dive into what has made Jayden Daniels one of the most impressive rookie quarterbacks in NFL history. We also preview tonight's Utah vs. Arizona State matchup, spotlighting a key prospect to watch. Lastly, we examine how Alabama safety Malachi Moore hurt his draft stock with concerning behavior during last week's game.

Jayden Daniels is an elite talent

The Washington Commanders quarterback is off to a remarkable start in his rookie season, and is arguably having one of the best seasons of any quarterback in the NFL right now. Among his many achievements, Daniels became the first player in NFL history to throw for over 1,000 yards and rush for at least 250 yards in his first five games. He also set an NFL record for the highest completion percentage (82.1%) in the first four games of a season.

Daniels' performance has led the Commanders to their best start since 2008, making them just the fourth team in the last 30 years to start 4-1 or better after drafting in the top two that same year. So, what sets Daniels apart and makes him such a promising player?

One of the key factors is how perfectly he fits into Washington’s offense, combined with his unmatched work ethic. Daniels is decisive when making reads and can easily go through multiple progressions on a play. His deep understanding of the offense comes from his relentless commitment—he routinely arrives at team headquarters by 4 AM to work out and study film before his teammates even show up. It also helps that Washington’s system is considered one of the most fundamentally sound in the NFL, according to Blair Quarterback Academy.

In addition to his mental sharpness, Daniels' elite athleticism stands out, drawing comparisons to former Eagles star Randall Cunningham. His mobility forces opposing defenses to account for him as a runner, frequently assigning a spy to keep him in check during passing plays. Whether on the move in the sprint-out passing game or scrambling to gain yards, Daniels is a dual-threat that keeps defenses on their toes.

Daniels' arm strength is another asset, allowing him to throw with power from awkward positions or deliver deep passes that have often resulted in touchdowns, both at LSU and now with the Commanders. However, as noted by Blair Quarterback Academy, his wide base at the end of drops can sometimes hurt his accuracy, an area he can continue to refine.

Daniels faces one of his toughest challenges on October 27th when the Commanders take on the Chicago Bears—the team that passed on him in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears boast a defense that ranks in the top 10, allowing only 174 passing yards per game and holding opponents to a 62% completion rate. But if Daniels continues playing at his current level, there’s no reason the Commanders can’t contend for the NFC East title and be a serious threat in the playoffs.

NFL Draft prospect to watch

The must-watch game tonight features the 4-1 Utah Utes taking on the 4-1 Arizona State Sun Devils. This matchup could play a significant role in deciding the Big 12 champion and keeping the winner in the race for a College Football Playoff spot. Several NFL Draft prospects will be on display, with one of the most intriguing being Utah tight end Brant Kuithe.

Kuithe’s standout trait as a pro prospect is his reliable hands. He hasn’t dropped a single pass this season and has a career drop rate of just 8.8%, according to Pro Football Focus. His speed is also impressive for a tight end, and he’s even been used on jet sweeps during his college career.

Despite his talents, Kuithe might not get drafted, primarily due to his long injury history. He missed most of the 2022 season and all of 2023. At 6'2" and 236 pounds, he also lacks the size and strength to be an in-line tight end in the NFL. While he’s fast for a tight end, he doesn’t have the speed to succeed as a big slot receiver at the pro level.

Kuithe’s best fit in the NFL may be as an H-back, where his skills could be put to better use.

Red flag

One player who raised concerns last week was Alabama safety Malachi Moore, who made several questionable decisions during the Vanderbilt game. These included pushing a Vanderbilt player's head into the ground after the play, throwing his mouthpiece across the field, and kicking the ball after it had been spotted by the referees. Such actions are likely to make NFL decision-makers question his ability to maintain composure under pressure, prompting a closer look into his behavior off the field as well. If these incidents are part of a pattern from his time at Alabama, it could lead to him sliding down the draft board.