First impressions of Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels - ESPN

ASHBURN, Va., — One of Jayden Daniels' worst throws this spring occurred in front of the largest crowd he has encountered since becoming a member of the Washington Commanders. And afterward, all he could do was smile.

Throwing out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game earlier this month, the Commanders' latest great hope at quarterback pulled his effort into the left-handed batter's box.

It was not awful. But it was not a strike.

«It's a good thing he's throwing here and not down at the ballpark,» Commanders coach Dan Quinn said, smiling.

The errant pitch was one of the few times Daniels has left observers unimpressed this spring. Otherwise, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft has left a favorable early imprint on his teammates and coaches. They know more steps remain. He has yet to face a live pass rush, an opposing defense or anyone in pads. Teammates and coaches have pointed that out; they also acknowledge there will be both good and bad days ahead as Daniels develops. But after getting a first glimpse of the hours he puts in at the facility, his ability to call, make and direct plays on the field and his engaging personality — they cannot wait to see how he progresses.

«Dude can sling it man,» right tackle Andrew Wylie said. «He makes it look easy. Something about his game is just special.»

Before Daniels, Washington had drafted five other quarterbacks in the first round from 1994 to 2019: Heath Shuler, Patrick Ramsey, Jason Campbell, Robert Griffin III and Dwayne Haskins. They combined to go 51-86 as starters for Washington, with one Pro Bowl selection (Griffin). Only Campbell served as the primary starter for four years; he is also the only one who started 12 or more games in three different seasons.

Now