ANALYST PREDICTS COMMANDERS ROOKIE WILL BE 'TEAM MVP'
While the Commanders were one of the worst teams in the NFL last season, finishing with the second-worst record (4-13), they still have several talented players on their roster.
Key players returning to Washington this season are running back Brian Robinson Jr., wide receiver Terry McLaurin and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. The team also added veteran running back Austin Ekeler, tight end Zach Ertz and linebacker Bobby Wagner in free agency.
All those players should play big roles in the Commanders' success in 2024, but NFL.com's Eric Edholm believes it will be someone else who is their "team MVP" by the end of the year — rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
"The Commanders do have a top-tier playmaker in WR Terry McLaurin, who easily could provide the same level of comfort for Daniels as D.J. Moore can for (Caleb) Williams," Edholm writes. "But if the thinly built Daniels can make it through his first season relatively healthy, I think he has a slightly better chance of being the Commanders' most important player this season."
Daniels does have immense upside, which is why he was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Last season, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.
However, he must first win the starting job over veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota.
"Well, in true competition, that's why we set it up as we did to have Marcus have some [first-team reps] and Jayden to have some," head coach Dan Quinn said.
It would be surprising if Daniels didn't establish himself as Washington's starter in training camp, but it seems the team is going to make him earn it, which will only make him better in the long run.
As a result, Edholm believes that Daniels can not only be the Commanders' best player but also the Offensive Rookie of the Year thanks to his running ability.
"If he leads the Commanders to the franchise's first winning record since 2016, Daniels could have a Stroud-like effect on this franchise," Edholm writes. "I'm expecting a very encouraging first year from the No. 2 overall pick."
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