Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is rooting for his fellow classmates. Daniels was one of six quarterbacks selected in the first round — within the first 12 picks — of the 2024 NFL draft.
Two weeks remain in this season, and all but one, Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy, has started a game during his rookie season. Daniels, Caleb Williams (Bears), and Bo Nix (Broncos) have started the entire season. Drake Maye (Patriots) took over later in the season. All have shown flashes of excellence, but one, Daniels, stands above them all right now.
Last week, Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons, made his first career start. Penix completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards and an interception in a blowout win over the Giants. Penix wasn’t spectacular after replacing Kirk Cousins, but he played well as Atlanta relied on its running game and defense.
This week, the Falcons come to the DMV to play the Commanders. That means it will be Daniels vs Penix. Daniels went up against Williams and the Bears in Week 8 and came away victorious.
How familiar is Daniels with his fellow rookie quarterback?
“Me and Mike are boys,” Daniels said. “Obviously, we trained together. We went through the draft process together, so we built the relationship over that time and I’m happy for him, you know, he waited his time. He’s a phenomenal player in my eyes and, you know, I’m excited to be able to match up against him.”
As for his quarterback class, Daniels is proud to be a part of the group.
“Yeah, I mean, I think we still got a long way to go, but, you can see just the type of guys that are in this class and how they prepare, how they work,” Daniels said of his fellow rookie quarterbacks. “It’s never a finished product until, you know, we all decided to hang it up one day. But I mean, I’m excited to be a part of this draft class with those guys and those caliber players. I think they’re off and on with players. I’m rooting for all of them.”
The Commanders could clinch a playoff spot before Sunday’s game, depending on what happens between the Panthers and Buccaneers. Washington and Atlanta are both currently in the NFC playoff field, and Sunday’s battle could be the first of many between Daniels and Penix.