Daniels impresses at rookie camp: ‘He’s a stud’

John Keim, ESPN Staff WriterMay 10, 2024, 05:56 PM ET
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ASHBURN, Va. — Jayden Daniels‘ first rookie minicamp practice did not include any “wow” moments where he could show his speed or all of his arm talent. It was a routine one-hour workout designed to get the rookies comfortable with the Washington Commanders playbook.

But during those 60 minutes, his new teammates took notice of what Daniels could offer the Commanders.

“He’s a stud,” third-round receiver Luke McCaffrey said. “I know he’s one heck of a quarterback and a lot of fun to play with from a personality standpoint. I’ve had a blast in these 24 hours with him. … He’s just fun to be around; he’s good energy.”

Added second-round tight end Ben Sinnott: “He has the ‘it’ factor.”

Washington selected Daniels with the second pick in last month’s draft, making him the franchise’s latest hope at quarterback. The team started eight different passers in the last four years and nobody has started for more than three consecutive seasons since Mark Rypien from 1989 to ’93. Since that time, Washington has drafted five other quarterbacks in the first round, and none became the long-term answer.

Daniels’ presence led to more interest than usual in the Commanders’ first rookie workout as approximately 55 media members attended — at least 20 more than usual, according to a team spokesman. He smiled often and during breaks could be seen laughing with coaches or teammates. He lofted accurate deep passes down the middle of the field against no defenders and was accurate during a 7-on-7 drill, with one off-target pass that resulted in a one-handed grab by undrafted free agent Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint.

Daniels said Friday was just about “day one install” of the playbook. But he also said he soaked in seeing his helmet in the locker and putting on his yellow No. 5 practice jersey.

“Man, it was awesome,” he said. He added that scenes like this brought out “that 9-year-old kid in me, just realizing that his dreams came true, and now I’m here but I’ve still got a long way to go.”

Sinnott said he worked out with Daniels at times in the offseason — as well as undrafted free agent quarterback Sam Hartman. He said he saw Daniels’ accuracy on film and then realized it in person. He saw him, as others did, create plays with his legs as well.

“He’s a super talented kid, a great dude I really like to be around and hopefully grow with,” Sinnott said. “There are just guys who players naturally get attracted to and revolve around and he’s got that personality where you want to work with him and want to watch film with him and you want to be out here working with him.”

Daniels said this weekend is also about developing his leadership in the NFL, before he starts working with the veterans at OTA practices.

“Just being myself, being a hard worker,” he said. “Don’t try to be somebody I’m not. People see who’s authentic and who’s not. Try to make connections, talk to people. Obviously I’m 23, it’s a lot of different age ranges in this locker room, so try to relate as much as possible, show them I’m all about the team, I’m all about hard work.”

And, for now, it’s about learning the playbook and then earning the starting job.

“Just going through the lumps of being a rookie and trying to learn how to be a pro,” Daniels said. “I don’t have a definitive answer for you what I needed to work on. I’m just trying to learn as much as possible.”