Forget the rookie jitters! Jayden Daniels, who once played two seasons with LSU Tiger, and the Commanders’ shiny new No. 2 overall pick, is about to get his first taste of NFL action. And boy, is he hungry!

In a post-practice interview with Washington Commanders, Daniels opened up about the myriad challenges of going pro. “It’s football. I’m very excited. I love the game,” he said. “But going out there would be a different challenge, not just for me but for the whole team. And with going Pro, I mean, a few things have changed. The game situation, game management, learning the different rules—it’s different from college.”

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner is all set to see his first league action against the QB Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets. “We’re going against somebody we’re not familiar with. It’s about trial and error, executing at a high level, and seeing what we can do,” Daniels explained.

Furthermore, Washington Commanders’ HC Dan Quinn confirmed that Daniels is set to hit the field in the preseason opener, although he kept details on the 23-year-old’s role under wraps. “I think we’ve probably said it all along there’s been a whole process,” Quinn said. With the Sun Devils’ product sharing first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota, this game will be a critical test for him. He said, “I’m very excited,” Daniels said Sunday. “I love playing, love to compete. Going out there will be a different challenge.”

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Surely, Daniels isn’t new to the pressure cooker. With 55 college starts, 12,750 passing yards, and 89 TDs, this guy’s got the chops. Last year alone, he grabbed the Heisman Trophy, proving he’s got dual-threat skills to match. Plus, are the Commanders picking him at No. 2 overall? That’s their way of saying the team’s betting big on the QB.

NFL analysts on Jayden Daniels’ winning potential 

ESPN’s Ryan Clark’s betting big on Washington’s overall No. 2 pick, comparing him to C.J. Stroud’s standout rookie year. Per Clark, Daniels could be the guy we’d all be talking about as the 2025 season rolls around. “I just left the Commander’s camp, and everyone is raving about the kind of person and player he is,” Clark said. “He’s got the skills and the attitude to break out in a big way.”

Pro Football Focus analyst Max Chadwick didn’t shy away from applauding the rookie QB as well. Chadwick noted Daniels’ knack for hitting targets downfield with flair, and while his arm might not be the strongest (yet), his running ability keeps defenses on their toes. “He loves to target outside the numbers,” Chadwick said, “He’s come from being conservative at LSU to being a flame thrower this past year. This guy’s gotten better every single year!”

And don’t overlook NFL.com’s Eric Edholm, who’s calling Daniels a potential MVP for the Commanders. With a weapon like Terry McLaurin in the mix, Edholm believes the 23-year-old could be the key player this season—assuming he can stay healthy. “If he can dodge the injury bug,” Edholm said, “he’s got a real shot at being Washington’s most crucial player.”

With analysts dropping these bold predictions, Daniels’ rookie season is already shaping up to be a wild ride. No wonder, he’s going to make some serious noise on-field.