NFL Analyst Pumps Brakes on Hype Around QB Jayden Daniels

Last season, Jayden Daniels burst on the scene in a big way for the Washington Commanders after being drafted No. 2 overall. While many are ready to crown him the next big thing at the position, one analyst feels things are being handed to him a bit too soon.

When a team drafts a quarterback that high, they hope he can be a pillar for the franchise for years to come. Washington didn’t have to wait long to see Daniels prove himself, as he put together one of the top rookie campaigns from a QB in league history. While navigating his first year in the pros, he nearly helped the Commanders reach the Super Bowl. They pulled off a pair of upsets in the postseason, but their run came to an end against the Philadelphia Eagles in the conference championship.

Following his impressive showing last year, the hype around Daniels has gone through the roof. Many have dubbed him one of the league’s best QBs already, and personnel within the league tend to agree. In ESPN’s latest poll of the NFL‘s top ten quarterbacks, Daniels came in at No. 5. Some of the players he finished just ahead of include Matthew Stafford, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts.

Also read: Commanders Star Jayden Daniels Lands Notable Spot in Recent QB Rankings

While appearing on First Take earlier this week, Peter Schrager gave his thoughts on Daniels being crowned a top-five QB after just one season. He feels such an honor is a bit premature, and he wants to see a little more from the Commanders’ star before putting him in this conversation.

“I think he had the greatest rookie season we’ve ever seen by a quarterback in NFL history and he got his team to the NFC Championship game,” Schrager said. “I’d like to see the body of work though. I know if you’re a Jayden fan or a Commanders fan you’re rolling your eyes…Give it another year before we put him in that conversation.”

Also read: Analyst Gives Bold Take on Commanders Star Terry McLaurin’s Holdout

Daniels has loft expectations heading into year two, but the pieces are in place for him to continue ascending to a superstar talent. The Commanders upgraded the cast of talent around him to make sure he avoids the infamous sophomore slump. If Washington is able to get Terry McLaurin back in the fold, the second-year QB will have all he needs to back up all the buzz around him.

Daniels will officially begin ramping up for the 2025 campaign next week when Commanders veterans report to training camp.

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