The Washington Commanders drafted Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Earlier, there were questions about whether the franchise should have selected Drake Maye instead, but Daniels’ performance so far has proved that Washington made the right decision.
J.J. Watt recently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, and he was asked to pick a quarterback from the 2024 NFL Draft class who he thinks will be the best going forward. The Houston Texans legend picked Daniels over Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, and Drake Maye.
J.J. Watt Makes a Case for Jayden Daniels Over Other QBs
Six quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the last draft, and so far, we have seen four of them play consistently. All four have looked promising, and the two remaining, Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy, also came into the league with high expectations.
Williams was tabbed to become a superstar in the NFL since his second year in college, so many believe he will be the best quarterback from the 2024 QB cohort. However, Watt mentioned that Daniels is in a much better situation, which will greatly help him.
“I am a big believer that coaching, organization, and everything around you determines how good you’re going to be…” said Watt. “If I were going right now and you made me pick, I’m going with Jayden Daniels.”
"I'm still going with Jayden Daniels as the best player long term in this year's rookie QB class..
I like the confidence that he has and make incredible plays every game" ~ @JJWatt #PMSLive https://t.co/htR4ceCQ4y pic.twitter.com/zp0Eny3Q2q
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 27, 2024
Watt added, “I like the way he swings it. I like the confidence that he’s got. I like some of his late-game plays, like that at the end of this last game; that pass at the corner was incredible. And like, the Hail Mary, obviously, it’s a Hail Mary, but still, just got something. He seems to have a little bit of that juice to him.”
Despite a rough few weeks, the Commanders’ quarterback is still the favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. In 12 games this season, he has thrown for 2,613 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions, completing 68.4% of his throws. Daniels has also rushed for 556 yards and five touchdowns on 99 carries.
The LSU product’s output on the field has taken a hit due to the rib injury he suffered in Week 7, yet he has played remarkably well. Notably, the Commanders do not have an elite roster, and once he gets more weapons to work with, we can see him making more explosive plays with his arms and legs.
Daniels and the Commanders Desperately Need a Win in Week 13
Daniels and the Commanders started the season in great style and were 7-2 after Week 9. Unfortunately, they have lost their last three games and desperately need a win in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans are 3-8 on the season, and Washington has a great opportunity to snap their three-game losing streak. The Commanders are still in a good position to make the playoffs, but getting a win before their bye next week will boost the team’s morale.
Daniels played quite well in last week’s bizarre 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and he needs to build on that. Although he is still the favorite to win the OROY award, Nix has taken significant strides in the last few weeks and could take the lead from Daniels if the Broncos continue to win and the Commanders struggle.
The future looks promising in Washington, as their rookie quarterback has exceeded all expectations. The franchise must be aggressive in the upcoming offseason to support Daniels and Dan Quinn and build a roster that can contend for the Super Bowl.