It has been just over a year since the Washington Commanders drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick, and he has already placed himself among the best young players in the NFL.
Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year after setting multiple team and league records, was listed No. 4 on Pro Football Focus' list of top 25 players under 25 entering this season. He is the highest-ranked player from the 2025 class on the list.
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (No.1), Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (No.2) and Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (No. 4) are the only players ranked ahead of him.
"The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year took the Commanders from last place in the NFC East the year before he was drafted to the NFC Championship game as a rookie, thanks to a dynamic play style that led to both a top-10 PFF overall grade and a top-10 PFF rushing grade for the position," wrote PFF's Jonathan Macri.
Daniels immediately ignited the Commanders' offense with his poise, decision-making, deep-ball accuracy and habit for making game-changing plays. He led the team in passing and rushing, accounting for 68% of the team's total offense in 2024. He had 5,416 total yards and 37 touchdowns in the regular season and playoffs, both of which broke rookie records.