Jayden Daniels impresses in his first training sessions at the Washington Commanders’ camp.

Jayden Daniels put the Washington Commanders in a good mood.

The franchise picked him second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the rest has been a success story so far. Daniels was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, ranked fourth in the league-wide QB rating and impressed with 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 891 rushing yards.

The quarterback led the Commanders to a 12-5 record and into the NFC Championship Game. There, they were only stopped by the eventual champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.

In the run-up to the new season, NFL insiders on the ground report that Daniels is relaxed. Between drills at camp, he keeps everyone in good spirits, but as soon as things get serious, he is right on point, just like last season.

Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels leads the way

His teammates praise him: “He’s smart and in control at all times,” was the verdict at the OTAs.

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, caught up in the hype, adds: “He’s fun to watch. He doesn’t think too much, he plays fast and trusts his talent. That’s exactly what we want to see. I think he’s going to make another big leap this season.”

To help Daniels, the Commanders have strengthened their offense with various transactions. Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was signed, as was wide receiver Deebo Samuel. In addition, tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and WR Jaylin Lane were drafted to bolster Daniels’ surroundings.

Head coach Dan Quinn agrees with his OC: “He puts in a lot of work that not everyone sees to make sure he’s ready to play, to help others, to connect with them. There’s no doubt about him. He’s focused and fully committed to getting better. We appreciate that about him.”

Washington Commanders: Coaches explain Daniels’ growth

But Daniels also knows what he has. He is full of praise for OC Kingsbury: “He always tries to make sure you’re on the same page and feel comfortable. He creates an understanding for the calls he makes. I know exactly why he calls a certain play at a certain time.”

Kingsbury returns the praise: “If you look at NFL history, the most successful quarterbacks are the ones who play for a long time in a system that works but stays the same. When the quarterback has internalized that perfectly and at some point starts giving instructions on his own on the field and making slight changes to lead his teammates, then the coaches on the sidelines aren’t really needed anymore. And Jayden is well on his way there.”

The fear that many defenses will adjust in the second year, similar to what happened with the Houston Texans and C.J. Stroud, is probably unfounded. Quinn says that not even the entire playbook was used last season and that there are still many plays in it that are unknown to opponents.