Commanders Rookie Jayden Daniels Named Top 'Breakout Candidate'

As the Washington Commanders gear up for the 2024 season, all eyes are on their dynamic rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels . According to Pro Football Focus ( PFF ), Daniels is not only a candidate to break out in his rookie season but could also become a fantasy football star, thanks to his elite scrambling ability and promising passing skills.

Daniels’ potential for fantasy football success lies in his unique skill set. PFF highlights that Daniels scrambles at a far higher rate than any other quarterback in recent memory, which could translate into significant fantasy production. Comparisons to other mobile quarterbacks like Justin Fields , Jalen Hurts , and Taysom Hill underscore the potential impact Daniels could have on the field and in fantasy lineups. Fields, for example, finished as the 6 ^th quarterback in 2022, primarily due to his rushing yards, despite modest passing numbers.

Throughout his college career, Daniels earned a 91.5 PFF rushing grade, the best among Power-Five quarterbacks in the last decade. His ability to avoid tackles and extend plays with his legs sets him apart from his peers, including notable names like Lamar Jackson and Anthony Richardson . His 258 scrambles in college were the most for any quarterback in the last decade, making him a tantalizing prospect for fantasy managers looking for a high-upside quarterback.

While Daniels’ rushing ability is his standout trait, his passing game should not be overlooked. With an 84.0 career passing grade in college, Daniels has shown that he possesses solid mechanics and the ability to make plays through the air. Though he may not yet be on par with seasoned passers like Hurts, Daniels is expected to surpass many rookie quarterbacks in terms of passing proficiency.

Adding to the excitement is the presence of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury , known for his success with quarterbacks like Kyler Murray . Murray consistently ranked as a top-12 fantasy quarterback during his time with Kingsbury, and similar success is anticipated for Daniels in Washington. Kingsbury’s offense is expected to provide Daniels with the tools and opportunities to thrive, making him a sleeper pick in many fantasy drafts.

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As the Commanders approach their season opener, Daniels is being drafted as one of the later options among fantasy starting quarterbacks. However, his dual-threat capabilities, combined with Kingsbury’s offensive scheme, suggest he could finish the season as a top-three fantasy quarterback. Commanders fans have plenty of reasons to be excited as Daniels takes the reins, potentially transforming Washington’s offense and lighting up fantasy football scoreboards in the process.