The Washington Commanders made a significant move in the 2024 draft, selecting LSU star Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick. As the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels is seen as the potential franchise quarterback the team has long sought, though he hasn’t officially been named the starter by head coach Dan Quinn.
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Coach Quinn has kept his cards close regarding Daniels’ role, but sources indicate he’s quite impressed with the rookie’s abilities. With preseason approaching, the team has confirmed that Daniels will see action in their exhibition games.
According to NFL analyst Ian Rapoport, who observed recent practices, “He can really fling the ball and has shown impressive command of the offense. He’s definitely beyond his years, and the coaches are eager to see him in action.” Rapoport shared that Quinn has confirmed Daniels will participate in the preseason opener.
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The Commanders will take on the New York Jets on August 10, marking Daniels’ official pro debut.
While Daniels may not be the starter for that game, he’ll certainly get valuable playing time. Quinn has yet to make a final decision on the starting quarterback position, but this game could be crucial for Daniels to showcase his skills.
Last season, Daniels threw for 3,812 yards with 40 touchdowns and only four interceptions, while also rushing for 1,134 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability as a quarterback. He’ll have plenty of weapons at his disposal, including former Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, wideouts Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz, and his new teammate Luke McCaffrey, brother to 49ers star Christian McCaffrey.
It’s somewhat unusual for a rookie to play in the first preseason game, as coaches typically hold starters for later matchups. However, this could be a strategic opportunity for Daniels to gain essential experience before potentially being named the starter.
Although there’s a risk of injury, rookies need field time, particularly in preseason games, to develop their skills and gain confidence.