What makes Commanders QB Jayden Daniels such a dynamic force, plus NFL Draft buzz

The NFC Divisional Round showdown between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions promises to be one of the most captivating matchups of the postseason. Leading the Commanders is rookie sensation Jayden Daniels, whose stellar debut season has elevated him into the spotlight as one of the NFL’s most dynamic young quarterbacks. In this edition of the NFL Draft Notebook, we explore what makes Daniels such a special talent and how he has quickly become the cornerstone of Washington’s success.

Beyond our breakdown of Daniels’ game, we also dive into the 2025 NFL Draft to spotlight two promising Day 3 running back prospects, examine a critical matchup in the National Championship game, and more.

Breaking down Jayden Daniel's game

The Washington Commanders hit the jackpot when they selected LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Widely regarded as the frontrunner for NFL Rookie of the Year, Daniels has been a game-changer, leading the Commanders to an impressive 13-5 record after a dismal 4-13 campaign in 2023. The turnaround also included Washington’s first playoff victory in two decades.

Daniels’ exceptional football IQ has been evident since Day 1. His command of the Commanders’ offense was on full display in their playoff win over the Buccaneers, where he consistently set the correct protection schemes to counter Tampa Bay’s diverse blitz packages. Beyond protection calls, Daniels demonstrates an advanced ability to progress through multiple reads in the passing game, a skill that clearly reflects his dedication to studying film.

"The quarterback, man, he has taken this league by storm by some of the things he can do, the way he operates, his calm demeanor, his accuracy, his ability to exactly know where the matchup’s at and get the ball to that player."

Lions DC Aaron Glenn on Daniels

Daniels’ athleticism is a defining trait that allows him to threaten defenses in multiple ways. As a runner, he shattered the NFL quarterback rookie rushing record with 891 yards this season, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His mobility also creates opportunities in the passing game, as defenders often abandon coverage to contain him, leaving receivers open for big plays. Even when throwing into tight coverage, Daniels exhibits excellent mechanics, delivering accurate passes to tightly covered targets.

In addition to his mobility, Daniels possesses impressive arm talent. He completed 69% of his passes during the regular season, ranking among the league’s most accurate quarterbacks. His arm strength allows him to connect on deep shots and make difficult throws under pressure, further solidifying his status as a dual-threat playmaker.

Despite his stellar season, durability is an area of concern for Daniels. He dealt with a rib injury that affected his performance for several games and has taken numerous big hits, including a dangerous one against the Buccaneers that could have been avoided had he stepped out of bounds. Moreover, he was sacked 48 times this season, the fifth-highest total in the league, increasing the risk of future injuries.

Even with durability concerns, there’s no denying that the Commanders have found their franchise quarterback in Daniels. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, there’s every reason to believe he could become one of the NFL’s top three quarterbacks in the near future. The Commanders’ remarkable turnaround in 2024 is just the beginning of what could be an incredible career for Jayden Daniels.

Latest 2025 NFL Draft buzz

Key matchup to watch in the National Championship game: One of the most intriguing battles in the National Championship game will be Ohio State’s high-powered passing attack taking on Notre Dame’s elite secondary. The Buckeyes' passing attack is headlined by standout freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Will Howard, a potential day-three selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. On the other side, the Irish boast one of the strongest secondaries in college football. They lead the nation in opponent completion percentage and rank sixth in passing yards allowed per game. If Notre Dame’s defensive backfield can stifle Ohio State’s aerial assault, it will significantly boost their chances of claiming the national title on Monday.

Bo Nix the answer in Denver: The Broncos seem to have found their franchise quarterback in Bo Nix who is coming off a very impressive season having completed 66% of his passes for 3,775 yards and finished with 34 total touchdown which is the  third-most in NFL history for a rookie. Now the key for the team is for the Broncos to improve the supporting cast around him which they will likely focus on in the 2025 NFL Draft. Two players the Broncos would love to get in the first round of the draft is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.

"I was incredibly impressed with Bo both on and off the field. It never seemed like any moment was too big for him. We had some big moments this year. He battled throughout games and never saw him give up or let up, even when things were not going our way. He's got all the physical traits that you need to be a great quarterback. Mentally, he is sharp. The players respond to him. His teammates love him. In terms of the offseason, he's an incredibly hard worker and loves studying tape, being in the gym and that will serve him well this offseason as he builds for the future. I know he will be better next year."

Broncos head coach Sean Payton

Great ball security: One running back in the 2025 NFL Draft with exceptional ball security is Rutgers' Kyle Monangai, who has not fumbled once during his four-year career with the Scarlet Knights. Along with his impressive ball protection, Monangai is also a physical runner, consistently driving his feet on contact, which has helped him force 139 missed tackles over the past two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. Although his limited speed and size may cause him to drop to the later rounds of the NFL Draft, don’t be surprised if he makes a strong impression during training camp next fall.

James declares for the draft: Oregon running back Jordan James has announced his decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. James is coming off a breakout season, setting career highs with 1,267 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, and 26 receptions. James’ game is highlighted by his exceptional vision, which enables him to consistently locate and exploit open running lanes. His quickness also stands out, playing a key role in his ability to lead the Pac-12 in yards per carry during the 2023 season, averaging over 7 yards per touch. However, there is room for improvement in his contributions to the passing game. In 2023, he earned a 42.9 pass-blocking grade from PFF and struggled with drops, failing to secure 16% of the passes thrown his way.