Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels moves one step closer to being Week 1 starter

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Aug 6, 2024 10:07 AM ET

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has already taken command of the Washington offense.

On Tuesday, the Commanders revealed their first unofficial depth chart for 2024 ahead of Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets. Daniels, the 2024 NFL Draft's No. 2 overall pick, was listed as the first-team quarterback.

Commanders listed Jayden Daniels as their starting QB on their first depth chart of the season. pic.twitter.com/rUTrshC40B
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2024

Daniels' coronation isn't surprising considering the unexceptional candidates behind him, including Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel and rookie Sam Hartman.

Even so, it's a positive development for Daniels and the Commanders that the rookie has already asserted himself as the team's No. 1 quarterback.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared a comment from head coach Dan Quinn, who acknowledged Daniels' high expectations and noted that the 2023 Heisman winner "has surpassed those."

The #Commanders list No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels as their top QB on the first depth chart. Coach Dan Quinn was clear he had high expectations for Daniels, “but he has surpassed those.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2024

According to ESPN's John Keim, Quinn confirmed that Daniels will start on Saturday. This will be Daniels' first game action since Nov. 25, 2023.

Jayden Daniels is QB1 on the Commanders first unofficial depth chart; will start Saturday, Dan Quinn said. LT Brandon Coleman also is first.
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 6, 2024

Daniels was sensational in his second season at LSU, becoming arguably the biggest riser in the draft process from the start of the 2023 season.

He finished the year 236-of-327 (72.2 percent) for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions and added 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns on 135 carries.

By being listed as No. 1 on Washington's first unofficial depth chart, Daniels appears ready to hit the ground running.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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