Jayden Daniels skyrockets into NFL's under-25 elite after jaw-dropping rise

Jayden Daniels' rookie campaign was nothing short of phenomenal. The Washington Commanders were anticipating big things from the quarterback after a seamless transition over the summer. What he accomplished was beyond even the most lofty imaginations.

Daniels proved he belonged immediately. He dragged the Commanders from also-rans into legitimate contenders. His poise, dynamism, dual-threat capabilities, and exceptional poise in the brightest moments saw him become a genuine franchise presence under center. The Heisman Trophy winner captivated NFL fans around the world as Washington made the NFC Championship game against all odds.

Adam Peters saw enough to sacrifice significant resources in his quest to improve Daniels' supporting cast next time around. The Commanders fortified the trenches, found more capable pass-catchers, kept continuity in the tight end room, and added an intriguing rookie into the backfield. Everything is firmly in place for the No. 2 pick in 2024 to prove his immediate success was the start of a dominant career.

Commanders benefitted greatly from Jayden Daniels' exceptional production in 2024

Jonathon Macri from Pro Football Focus placed Daniels among the NFL's rising stars heading into the campaign. The analyst had the former LSU standout at No. 4 in his list of best players under 25 years old. This was thanks in no small part to statistics that show he was single-handedly responsibile for more than three wins during Washington's fairtytale run in 2024.

The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year took the Commanders from last place in the NFC East the year before he was drafted to the NFC Championship game as a rookie, thanks to a dynamic playstyle that led to both a top-10 PFF overall grade and a top-10 PFF rushing grade for the position. According to PFF WAR, [Jayden] Daniels accounted for more than three wins on the year alone, which was a top-five mark in the league.Jonathon Macri

Some analysts are tipping Daniels to experience a sophomore slump in 2025. While it couldn't be completely dismissed, there's something different about this player.

Daniels takes nothing for granted. He's always striving for greatness and has a grounded mentality with a focus firmly on football. His work ethic is tireless, matched by a quiet aura that others naturally gravitate towards.

Couple this with the reinforcements acquired by Peters throughout another busy recruitment period, and it's not hard to see why optimism is so high around Daniels. He'll have a bigger target on his back, and teams have plenty of film to dissect to counteract his outstanding traits, but he's got a legitimate shot to cement his elite-level status and stay there for the next decade.

If Daniels takes another leap, the Commanders will too. And who knows, that might be enough to knock the Philadelphia Eagles off their perch when it's all said and done.

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