There is a big difference between how the NFL handles its young prospects and other leagues like the NHL or MLB. Both baseball and hockey have minor leagues, developmental leagues, in which their young players can learn the game at their own pace.
The NFL doesn't afford itself or its prospects that luxury. In this league, either the young prospects show something almost immediately, or they don't end up playing at all.
And the next thing you know, they're in the UFL or the CFL. Or they become doctors or Uber drivers or lawyers or shoe salesmen.
In baseball and hockey, it's common for each team to have a ranking of its minor-legue prospects.
Let's do the same exercise here as we'll rank Washington's top prospects under the age of 25, similar to how baseball or hockey runs their rankings. ... with the idea being all about the Commanders' top five candidates for stardom.
5. Josh Conerly Washington's first-round pick from the 2025 draft is a tackle who should be the future anchor of the entire offensive line. The Oregon prospect is raw but has the potential to be very good, wherever he ends up playing.
4. Jer'Zhan Newton Newton was one of multiple second-round picks from the 2024 draft and is about to see a significant increase in playing time following the offseason departure of Jonathan Allen. His rank could increase with a big year ahead.
3. Quan Martin Martin has been an underrated player in Washington's secondary, but continues to improve as one of the brightest safeties in the game. Another year in coach Dan Quinn's scheme could do wonders.
2. Mike Sainristil Sainristil was another player who stood out in his rookie season with Washington. ... almost in a Jayden Daniels-level way. The Michigan product will only get better in a division full of receiving stars as he will take on their challenge and we bet win his share.
1. Jayden Daniels There isn't any other viable answer other than Daniels for the No. 1 slot. While he turns 25 in December, Washington's signal-caller is one of the bright young stars - yes, he's already there - in the league today.
So in Jayden's case, this is about more than an ascent toward "stardom.'' Let's call it "superstardom.''