NFL Rumors: Jayden Daniels' 'Coolness' Has Commanders Veterans 'Gravitating' to Him

Jayden Daniels has reportedly endeared himself to his Washington Commanders teammates on and off the field.

ESPN's Jeff Darlington discussed the rookie quarterback's budding leadership during an appearance on SportsCenter.

"[The Commanders] just finished up joint practices with the Miami Dolphins. Talking to people on both teams about Jayden Daniels, this is a guy who's doing things behind the scenes. We're not talking about him quite as much as say Caleb Williams, and yet behind the scenes his leadership is what is standing out right now. Veteran players, I was told, are really gravitating toward Daniels in a way that's kind of showing that he's beyond his years. He just has a comfortability, a coolness to him that really seems to be resonating in that locker room. So, yes he's playing well, but I think what is impressing me from what I'm hearing the most is the way he's becoming such a quick leader for the franchise for which he is being tabbed to lead."

Daniels was selected by Washington with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The former LSU standout has already impressed the team's coaching staff throughout training camp and was listed as the first-string quarterback on the Commanders' first unofficial depth chart of the season.

Head coach Dan Quinn told reporters on July 26 that Daniels has been "outstanding" in practice.

The 23-year-old has started his career off strong, completing 12 of his 15 pass attempts for 123 yards throughout two preseason appearances.

He hasn't recorded a passing touchdown or an interception, although he scored on the ground during Washington's 20-17 loss to the New York Jets on Aug. 10.

While Daniels' strong play on the field is most important for the Commanders' long-term success, it's also a positive sign that he's reportedly making a strong impression on his veteran teammates before he's appeared in a regular-season game.