New list further highlights QB Jayden Daniels' value to Commanders

Second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels keeps the Washington Commanders' Super Bowl window open heading into the 2025 season. 

In a story published Tuesday, ESPN analytics expert Aaron Schatz ranked the Commanders No. 3 in talent under 25. Last season, they were No. 18. Daniels is a big reason for the improvement. 

"The rank is not all Daniels ... but it is very heavily Daniels," wrote Schatz. "The 24-year-old quarterback replaced [Houston Texans QB] C.J. Stroud as the most valuable young player in the NFL after his dominant rookie season. He ranked fourth in the NFL in QBR (70.6), tied for 10th in touchdown passes (25) and threw for 3,568 yards."

Schatz pointed out the Commanders have other talented young players, including offensive tackle Brandon Coleman (24) and cornerback Mike Sainristil (24). Daniels, however, is their cornerstone. 

In a list published July 14, Daniels ranked as the league's No. 5 QB in the annual position rankings survey of ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. 

"Won 12 games with a mediocre-at-best defense and just a decent offensive roster around him," an NFC coordinator said, per Fowler. "System he plays in requires him to play off-schedule and make plays with his feet on a regular basis for success. And he is still solid in the pocket." 

After making the NFC Championship Game last season, it will be difficult for Washington to make it back there. The Commanders have the league's eighth-hardest schedule (.550) this season, via Fox Sports.

Daniels, a preseason MVP candidate, may help the team overcome the demanding schedule. As of Tuesday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives him the fifth-best odds (+850) to win the award. 

Even if he doesn't win MVP, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year is a budding star who makes Washington's future seem bright.