FILM DOESN’T LIE: Jayden Daniels Will Be a Future MVP
When the Washington Commanders studied college film looking for a future MVP, they selected Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It wasn’t just another draft pick, it was a moment decades in the making for a historic franchise yearning for a true franchise QB. Daniels’ path to that stage was anything but conventional as a captivating college journey saw him begin as a promising true freshman at Arizona State before blossoming into a Heisman Trophy winner during his final, electrifying season at LSU.
This remarkable progression revealed a player continually refining his craft, showcasing the dedication and adaptability essential for NFL success. Daniels arrived in Washington as the beacon of hope for a fanbase that has dealt with a carousel of quarterbacks since winning their last Super Bowl in 1991. For years, the team has sought stability and stardom under center, an objective that has often felt unreachable.
His exceptional talent, honed through diverse collegiate experiences, offered a fresh start and a tangible reason for optimism. His unique blend of athleticism and a smooth pocket presence, made him as a quarterback with truly unlimited potential from the moment he stepped onto an NFL field. The 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year will be the first of many awards he collects if he can stay healthy.
The inherent pressure on a high draft pick quarterback in the modern NFL is immense, yet Daniels embraced it, quickly becoming the face of a new era in Washington. His background, characterized by perseverance and a relentless drive for improvement, perfectly positioned him for this role. The “eye test” on his early performances confirms what his college trajectory suggested. Daniels is a prime building block, a player whose foundational traits and composure under pressure are rare.
Anticipating open windows, and layering in throws.
2 reasons why Jayden Daniels is already looking more advanced as a rookie 🫡@DariusJButler | @gregcosell | @NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/1B3o2mssft
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) November 8, 2024
FACTS & RECORDS
NFL records:
PASS TD (5) in final 30 seconds of 4th Qtr/OT in 1 season
NFL rookie records:
RUSH YDS (891) by a QBCompletion % (67.8)Total Offensive Yards (5,416) [incl. Playoffs]
Season QBR (70.6) [min 4 GP]Total Offensive Yards (5,416) [incl. Playoffs]RUSH YDS (891) by a QBQB Wins (12) since 1991
Via Pro Football Reference
MAIN TAKEAWAY
JAYDEN DANIELS WILL BE A FUTURE MVP IF HE STAYS HEALTHY
When the tape rolls on Jayden Daniels, it reveals a quarterback who consistently elevates his game in critical moments, a hallmark of future NFL MVP candidates. His exceptional performance on third and fourth downs is particularly telling; in his rookie campaign, Daniels completed an impressive 69% of his passes, showcasing his ability to convert key plays.
Furthermore, he was perfect, going 12-for-12, on third and fourth-down attempts with one yard to go, making him the only quarterback in the league to maintain a 100% success rate in those high-pressure situations, directly influencing game outcomes.
Daniels’ unparalleled mobile ability adds another dimension to his MVP potential, turning broken plays into game-changing opportunities. He rushed for an astounding 891 yards and 6 touchdowns in his rookie season, breaking the NFL rookie quarterback rushing record previously held by Robert Griffin III. His proficiency at extending plays is evident in his film, where he frequently escapes pressure to gain crucial yardage or find open receivers downfield, consistently affecting defensive schemes.
Beyond the raw numbers, Daniels possesses an undeniable clutch factor. He recorded five passing touchdowns in the final 30 seconds or overtime, which is two more than any other quarterback (rookie or veteran) in a single season since the 1970 merger. This ability to deliver when it matters most, combined with his record-breaking dual-threat capabilities, paints a clear picture of a quarterback on an undeniable trajectory towards being a future NFL MVP as long as he can stay healthy with his current frame and playstyle.
BEST HIGHLIGHTS
Every Jayden Daniels touchdown this season pic.twitter.com/bYVbquL8jc
— Pitless (@pitlessball) January 27, 2025
JAYDEN DANIELS WITH A HAIL MARY TO BEAT THE BEARS AS TIME EXPIRES 🤯
WHAT HAVE WE JUST WITNESSED?!?!?!
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/xuSQsWlODR
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 27, 2024
JAYDEN DANIELS TO TERRY MCLAURIN!!!
WHAT A THROW. WHAT A CATCH. HOLY MOLY. pic.twitter.com/ZrUkjwZDCJ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 24, 2024
If you love sports, please help Pro Sports Outlook continue to grow:
– Share this Jayden Daniels Future MVP Film Analysis article to Twitter and other platforms
– Click FOLLOW for high-quality sports content delivered to your email or your platform of choice
– Follow @PSO_Sports on Twitter & Instagram | Pro Sports Outlook on YouTube, Facebook, & LinkedIn
– Get 10% off canvases & posters on TheDesignStation.com: Code PSO10 at check out
The post FILM DOESN’T LIE: Jayden Daniels Will Be a Future MVP appeared first on Pro Sports Outlook.