It has been just over a year since the Washington Commanders drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick, and he has already placed himself among the best young players in the NFL.
Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year after setting multiple team and league records, was listed No. 4 on Pro Football Focus' list of top 25 players under 25 entering this season. He is the highest-ranked player from the 2025 class on the list.
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (No.1), Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (No.2) and Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (No. 4) are the only players ranked ahead of him.
"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 play style that led to both a top-10 PFF overall grade and a top-10 PFF rushing grade for the position," wrote PFF's Jonathan Macri.
Daniels immediately ignited the Commanders' offense with his poise, decision-making, deep-ball accuracy and habit for making game-changing plays. He led the team in passing and rushing, accounting for 68% of the team's total offense in 2024. He had 5,416 total yards and 37 touchdowns in the regular season and playoffs, both of which broke rookie records.
Although he is not the top player on the list, Macri noted at the top of his rankings that Daniels is "undoubtedly the most promising young quarterback in the NFL right now." That's because the numbers Daniels put up in 2024 were impressive for any quarterback in the league, veteran or rookie alike. He had the ninth-best completion percentage last season (69%), along with the fourth-highest QBR (70.6) and 14th-best passer rating (100.1). He also tied with Green Bay Packers' signal-caller Jordan Love for the 10th-most passing touchdowns (25) in the regular season.
The Commanders have dedicated much of their offseason plans to elevating the offense around Daniels, who has become their most valuable asset. That includes giving Daniels more protection -- a pain point at certain points in 2024 -- by trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and drafting Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr. with the 29th overall pick. Daniels proved that he can still thrive under pressure, though, as he had the eighth-best offensive grade and tied for the ninth-most big time throws while under pressure.
All of that creates a high standard for Daniels and the Commanders to reach again in 2025. But the team has tried to give him the tools to do so in his second season, and they also believe he has the right work ethic and natural talent to have an even better sophomore campaign.
"According to PFF WAR, Daniels accounted for more than three wins on the year alone," Macri wrote, "which was a top-five mark in the league."
