In 2023 it was CJ Stroud who set the tone for rookie quarterback success in the NFL. In 2024, Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels set a new standard as far as rookie success by taking his team a step further in the playoffs.
Along with Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix, the success of Daniels was the blueprint of how to put a quarterback in the right system and best situation to win. Though Caleb Williams, selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and Drake Maye (taken No. 3) each showed glimpses of their potential, Daniels showed he was NFL ready Day 1 blending his arm talent and ability to create plays with his feet nicely in the scheme set by Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Washington Commanders found their guy in Jayden Daniels
In locking up the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Daniels not only proved he was well worth the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, but he also showed off to the league that he is already a top 10 QB in the NFL by putting up Lamar Jackson type stats while leading the Commanders to a trip to the NFL Championship Game. He did that while throwing for 4,390 yards and rushing for 1,026 yards. The definition of a dual threat QB, Daniels wasn’t just top 10, he is ranked in the top 5 by NFL.Com’s Nick Shook.
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With his ability to excel within Kingbury’s play calling, Daniels both set a new standard for rookie quarterbacks and put the Commanders franchise back on the map.
In his ranking of all 59 starting quarterbacks from 2024, Shook writes:
“The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year's arrival to Washington will be remembered as the moment the Commanders franchise was reborn. Daniels proved he was ready for the NFL from the jump, never appearing overwhelmed by the speed of the game. He formed an excellent partnership with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, powered the Commanders to a 7-2 start and made a name for himself as a late-game hero, leading Washington to a number of heart-stopping wins en route to a 12-5 finish and two road playoff upsets. His final victory was his most triumphant: a 45-31 stunner over the top-seeded Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round.”
What stands out in Shook’s assessment is the fact that Daniels never looked overwhelmed. It is that composure and confidence that made him a top 5 quarterback, it is also what made him a clutch performer so early in his career. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, teams will look for QB’s similar in skillset. But, as Daniels proved, it is not just talent that makes a successful QB in Year 1, it is recognizing the opportunity and delivering in clutch moments. It is taking what the defense gives you and finding the right times to make something happen to help his team win.
Labeled as a poor man’s Lamar Jackson entering the draft, Daniels was far from that as he excelled throughout the season. Now teams will be looking for the next Jayden Daniels as now the goal for the Commanders QB is to take it to the next level in Year 2. That always tends to be the biggest challenge for young QB’s who peaked in their rookie season.