'Instinctual & Smart!' Commanders' Jayden Daniels Praises Receivers

The Washington Commanders selected receiver Luke McCaffrey in the third round of this year’s draft. The former Rice Owl has committed to being the first in the building with quarterback Jayden Daniels every day.

The rookies get there together and get extra work in before practice to get better and improve every day. McCaffrey, the younger brother of San Francsco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, knows he can’t rely on his name and needs to earn it every day.

On Wednesday, Daniels spoke to the media and was very complimentary of McCaffrey’s work ethic.

“For somebody that hasn’t been playing that position that long, he is a very smart learner, a very fast learner,” Daniels said. “Very instinctual and smart.

“Obviously, he played quarterback, so we kind of see it hand in hand. He knows based on the concept, the footwork, the timing he needs. I am happy with his growth so far.”

The fact that he moved from quarterback to receiver and still drafted in the third round is impressive all by itself. But the number one thing you want to see in a rookie is work ethic.

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They say quarterbacks are the smartest guys on the field. If he’s using his quarterback brain to break down coverages as a receiver, he’s going catch a lot of passes.

He will get more chances this week when the Commanders host the New York Giants on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.