Analyst Speaks Glowingly Of Commanders' Jayden Daniels' Ceiling

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 8:53 AM ET

When the Washington Commanders selected Jayden Daniels second overall, the franchise likely didn't expect the LSU star to transition to the NFL as smoothly as he did.

A 12-5 regular season, two playoff wins, an NFC Championship appearance, and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award to finish it all off.

Such was Daniels' play both as a passer and runner last season, expectations are now higher, particularly with the additions of Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel to the offense.

But it isn't all on Daniels. The culture and vibe that Dan Quinn has created is the catalyst for it all, and for ESPN's Booger McFarland, when speaking on NFL Live, everything is set up for Jayden to become an elite quarterback.

“Everything in Washington is in place, and now the enthusiasm and the excitement is starting to build there because they know, as long as he stays healthy and everybody around him does their part, he makes that next jump—we’re not just talking about a team that can get into the playoffs," McFarland said. "You’re talking about a team that could have one of the elite quarterbacks in the National Football League."

You will be hard-pressed to find many who won't agree or at least entertain McFarland's thought. However, we only need to look at C.J. Stroud's experience with the Houston Texans to see that things don't always go smoothly in Year 2.

Still, Daniels has a good supporting cast around him, a good head coach and coordinator, and a culture built on being there for your teammates.

You mix all of that together, and you give your young quarterback the best chance to go out and be great.

Jayden was in Year 1. Can he be in Year 2 as well?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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