Commanders Get Jayden Warning In Power Rankings Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 11:00 AM ET

The Washington Commanders had a superb first year with Jayden Daniels and Dan Quinn, as the new regime transformed the franchise seemingly overnight.

A 12-5 record and NFC Championship appearance led many, Washington included, to think the franchise was in win-now mode with Daniels on his rookie contract.

General manager Adam Peters doubled down on this thought with the trades for Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, which left the franchise with just five draft selections.

They plugged as many holes as they could, but with limited draft capital, the franchise could only do so much, with a run-it-back theory as the majority of the roster returns, the Commanders could be one of the NFC's contenders.

But NFL.com's Eric Edholm, in his power rankings, for which he had Washignton at No. 6, has a warning for the Commanders regarding the expectations in 2025.

"The Commanders are set up very well for the future, even if last year's Texans serve as a reminder that progress isn't always linear," Edholm writes.

Edhlom liked what Washington did in the draft, but we only have to look at C.J. Stroud to see that just because you had a good Year 1, it doesn't mean Year 2 will be just as good or better.

Granted, Stroud still made the playoffs and actually won one more regular-season game, but he threw for fewer yards, more interceptions, a worse completion percentage, fewer touchdowns, had a worse QBR, and was sacked 14 more times.

Will that happen with Daniels? We certainly hope not, but as Edholm points out, success isn't linear, and if everything doesn't come together as many expect in 2025, it might be a nasty little setback.

Tunsil is getting on in age, and Samuel is a one-year rental, so those two have to be the driving force in this Washington team, making the most of their Super Bowl window with Daniels on his rookie contract.

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

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