The Washington Commanders were one of the NFL‘s worst teams in 2023, which resulted in the team receiving the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. After letting Ron Rivera go, and hiring former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as the new head coach, the Commanders are looking to carve out a much more successful 2024 season.
More news: Commanders Head Coach Non-Committal About Naming Jayden Daniels Starting Quarterback
The team used its high draft pick to take the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is set to be the franchise quarterback for the Commanders. However, the initial reports from minicamp were that Quinn was not set on naming Daniels the starter just yet.
That sentiment has apparently changed, as Daniels has reportedly become the front-runner for the starting position.
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According to a training camp report from ESPN’s John Keim:
“Though Washington coach Dan Quinn does not want to name Jayden Daniels the starting quarterback just yet, the rookie has quietly started to take all or most of the first-team snaps the last two days. The Commanders still want to see how he progresses but he’s impressed teammates by how he’s not only recognized some leverages in coverage, but also how he’s then adjusted.”
Daniels has apparently emerged as the starter in training camp, but Quinn is still not going to name him the starting quarterback for 2024 yet. Though this is a “wait and see” type of situation for Quinn, Daniels has been impressive with his throws. Wrote Keim:
During practice Friday, Daniels connected with receiver Terry McLaurin on another back-shoulder throw in which McLaurin made a one-handed grab. The two have started to develop a good rhythm; Daniels has also connected often with tight end Zach Ertz. With two joint practice sessions as well as two preseason games in the next two weeks Washington will get a stronger feel for where Daniels is in his growth but there’s been no reason to doubt that, so far, the Commanders like where he’s headed.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is the best offensive weapon the Commanders have, so it’s good news that Daniels is starting to build the needed chemistry with a dynamic receiver.
Newly acquired tight end Zach Ertz is also carving out a significant role as a favorite target for Daniels.
The Commanders have some stiff competition in their own division and the NFC as a whole, but the hope is Daniels can emerge as a great passer. Though there is no telling if he will have a rookie season similar to that of Houston Texans’ C.J. Stroud, the hope is he can show that he is capable of starting and being the right choice for the Commanders moving forward.