Commanders QB Jayden Daniels moves one step closer to being Week 1 starter

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has already taken command of the Washington offense.

On Tuesday, the Commanders revealed their first unofficial depth chart for 2024 ahead of Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets. Daniels, the 2024 NFL Draft's No. 2 overall pick, was listed as the first-team quarterback.

Daniels' coronation isn't surprising considering the unexceptional candidates behind him, including Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel and rookie Sam Hartman.

Even so, it's a positive development for Daniels and the Commanders that the rookie has already asserted himself as the team's No. 1 quarterback.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared a comment from head coach Dan Quinn, who acknowledged Daniels' high expectations and noted that the 2023 Heisman winner "has surpassed those."

According to ESPN's John Keim, Quinn confirmed that Daniels will start on Saturday. This will be Daniels' first game action since Nov. 25, 2023.

Daniels was sensational in his second season at LSU, becoming arguably the biggest riser in the draft process from the start of the 2023 season.

He finished the year 236-of-327 (72.2 percent) for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions and added 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns on 135 carries.

By being listed as No. 1 on Washington's first unofficial depth chart, Daniels appears ready to hit the ground running.