Jayden Daniels burst onto the scene in his rookie season, making a compelling claim as one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the league. The Washington Commanders' young star not only brought the team back to the postseason but also ended a decades long NFC Championship Game drought.
His rookie season surpassed expectation and frankly measures up with the best such campaigns in the history of the league. Now, Daniels must ensure that level of performance carries over through the coming years.
There is no doubt he is taking all steps necessary to make sure he operates at optimum levels throughout the coming season. Daniels has spent extra time watching film to absorb more knowledge and has apparently translated that work ethic into the weight room.
The team posted a series of pictures of several different players at OTAs to their social media this week, featuring Daniels in the upload. Washington's franchise centerpiece has noticeably gained some definition that was not present a year ago.
Daniels came into the league admittedly pretty slender. Based on this image, that no longer looks to be the case. Undoubtedly that change is for the better.
The Commanders hope to protect their quarterback on all downs, but that is simply not the case in reality. Understanding that truth, a quarterback must protect himself and half the battle is being in shape to handle the punishment.
Factoring Daniels' tendency to scramble, some extra muscle helps on that front as well. Washington allowed their quarterback to be sacked 47 times last year, a number that must change in 2025.
Their trade for Laremy Tunsil and the use of a first-round pick on Josh Conerly Jr. hope to accomplish that with both flank each end of the offensive line.
Nonetheless, both the Commanders and their quarterback are hard at work to ensure no slippage once the season begins.