Washington Commanders made a bold move in selecting Jayden Daniels as the second overall pick in the draft, betting on his potential to become the face of the franchise for the next decade-plus. With his impressive skills and dedication to improving his game, Daniels has garnered praise from experts and coaches alike.

One of the standout qualities of Daniels is his ability to make off-platform throws, a trait shared by many top quarterbacks in the NFL. He excels at getting outside the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield, showcasing his adaptability and playmaking ability. Although a dropped ball marred a recent performance, his pass and improvisation skills left a lasting impression.

Known as a quiet and cerebral leader, Daniels leads by example, showing unwavering commitment to his craft. Former coaches speak highly of his work ethic, with Daniels often being the first one in the building in the morning and the last one to leave in the evening. During the offseason, he utilized virtual reality and other advanced analytics to take his game to another level, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of excellence.

In his rookie season, Daniels is expected to be used in a tailored offense designed by coach Kliff Kingsbury. Initially, a simplified playbook will help him adjust to the nuances of the NFL game, while high-to-low reads and rhythm/read throws will be prevalent. Motion will be employed to dictate coverages, allowing Daniels to identify favorable matchups and make quick decisions. Additionally, his unique skills as a runner will be incorporated, with designed runs and potential use of run-pass options (RPOs) to challenge opposing defenses.

Despite not possessing Lamar Jackson's agility, Daniels possesses a similar ability to take off and gain significant yards as a runner. Protecting himself better when running will be a key focus for him, drawing from his experiences at LSU. With his superior passing skills and mechanics compared to Jackson's early years, Daniels has the potential to stress defenses in similar ways.

Initially, Daniels faced some doubts, including concerns about his size and propensity for taking hard hits. However, a closer analysis of his film and his impressive interviews with teams dispelled these concerns. His Pro Day performance, where he weighed in at 210 pounds and showcased strong arm strength, further solidified his standing.

What truly sets Daniels apart is his unwavering dedication to improving his game. Throughout the 2023 offseason, he focused on refining both his physical and mental abilities, making significant strides in his development. While he benefited from playing with a talented receiving corps and a strong offensive line in college, his own improvement cannot be discounted.

With the potential to steer the Washington Commanders to success, the selection of Jayden Daniels has been met with excitement. As he steps onto the field as a rookie quarterback, Daniels is poised to bring a new dimension to the team and become a prominent figure for years to come.

Grade: A