Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has received some interesting coverage before training camp.
First, one analyst suggested Daniels could play better than No. 1 pick Caleb Williams. Second, there was a comparison to Robert Griffin III, given the similarities of their collegiate achievements and draft slot.
And now, we’ve got another instance of an analyst suggesting the former, with Anthony “Booger” McFarland saying on ESPN’s “Get Up” that Daniels could be the C.J. Stroud of 2024.
“Don’t be surprised if midway through the season, we’re having a conversation that is very similar to what he had last year,” McFarland said. “Meaning, the number two pick, Jayden Daniels, looks better than the number one pick, Caleb Williams.”
A year ago, Bryce Young went first to the Carolina Panthers. Stroud went right after to the Houston Texans and has the universally accepted better season. But those outcomes weren’t exactly shocking, considering how most viewed the Panthers even before the draft.
The Daniels vs. Williams debate is a little more complex because it’s harder to get a read on the team comparisons. The Chicago Bears have a nice stable of weapons around Williams and some coaching continuity. But Washington has some notable offensive minds like coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and weapons such as Terry McLaurin, too.
As an aside, it would be unreasonable to expect a Stroud-like showing from most rookie passers. But for Commanders fans, it doesn’t hurt to hear the love for Daniels, who shouldn’t be dismissed away in the comparison, either.
"Don't be surprised if midway through the season, we're having a conversation [that] ... the No. 2 pick, Jayden Daniels, looks better than the No. 1 pick, Caleb Williams."
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 18, 2024
—@ESPNBooger 👀 pic.twitter.com/8sUVtt78ts
