Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels secured the No. 21 spot on the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Top 100 players list for 2025, marking the highest position ever achieved by a Commanders player. His exceptional rookie year has drawn widespread attention, establishing Daniels as a key figure in the league’s rising talent.
Historic Rookie Season Highlights Record-Setting Performances
Daniels was instrumental in propelling the Commanders’ offense into the top 10 last season, delivering one of the most impressive rookie seasons in NFL history. He became the first quarterback to record at least 1,000 passing yards and 250 rushing yards within the first five games of his career. Furthermore, Daniels made history with consecutive games completing at least 85% of his passes while attempting a minimum of 15 throws in each game.
Adding to his historic achievements, Daniels joined elite company when he surpassed 3,000 passing yards and 600 rushing yards during a game against the Saints. This milestone placed him alongside Cam Newton and Washington legend Robert Griffin III as only the third rookie quarterback in NFL history to accomplish such production.
Pro Bowl Selection and Franchise Milestones Cement Daniels’ Status
By the end of the regular season, Daniels amassed 3,568 total yards and 31 touchdowns, which earned him a starting quarterback position for the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC Pro Bowl squad. He is the first Washington rookie to receive this honor since defensive standout Chase Young in 2020, and the first offensive rookie and quarterback to be named to the Pro Bowl since Robert Griffin III in 2012.
Daniels joins an elite group of Washington quarterbacks who have reached the Pro Bowl, including Kirk Cousins, Brad Johnson, Gus Frerotte, Mark Rypien, Jay Schroeder, Joe Theismann, Billy Kilmer, Sonny Jurgensen, Norm Snead, Eddie LeBaron, Al Dorow, Sammy Baugh, and Harry Gilmer. He is the 15th quarterback in franchise history to achieve this recognition.
Top NFL Quarterback Metrics Highlight Daniels’ Skill Set
In several critical statistical categories, Daniels ranks among the NFL’s best quarterbacks. He finished ninth in completion percentage with 69% and placed fourth in quarterback rating (QBR) at 70.6. Beyond passing achievements, Daniels also set a new NFL rookie rushing record for quarterbacks and leads all rookies historically with the most touchdowns thrown in fourth quarters.
Implications of Daniels’ Rise for the Commanders and the NFL
Jayden Daniels’ rapid ascent among the NFL’s elite signals a promising future for the Washington Commanders as they build around his dynamic playmaking ability. His groundbreaking rookie season not only marks a significant milestone for the franchise but also suggests that Daniels could become a dominant force at the quarterback position for years to come. Expectations are high for Daniels to continue developing and to lead Washington to greater success in the upcoming seasons.