Commanders Minicamp: Jayden Daniels is already doing things his Pro Bowl teammate hasn’t seen before
It took only a few weeks for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to impress one of his new best friends: Washington Commanders Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin. And the best part is that when asked what has stood out about his new quarterback, who is taking first-team reps at mandatory minicamp, McLaurin didn't bring up the […]
It took only a few weeks for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to impress one of his new best friends: Washington Commanders Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
And the best part is that when asked what has stood out about his new quarterback, who is taking first-team reps at mandatory minicamp, McLaurin didn't bring up the obvious like the cannon he has for an arm or the speed he brings to the table as a runner.
Instead, he talked about how Daniels already owns the locker room. When it comes to leading a roster of 53 men capable of playing in the National Football League, that's a huge trait to have.
"He's very charismatic, I think he's really personable when he walks into the building; he just has a calm demeanor about him," McLaurin told reporters on Tuesday. "He's very approachable, so guys have no problem, whether you're an offensive lineman, receiver, or running back, talking to him and communicating the objective of the play, what he's seeing, or what he's thinking."
Commanders fans are guaranteed to love that, specifically, McLaurin has been surprised by Daniels because of his hunger for more and more work as the wide receiver claimed he had never seen a young quarterback ask for more work after practice.
"I think he's going to be a really good player because of the time and work he puts in," McLaurin said. "I don't think I've had a young quarterback come in and, within the first week, he's like 'Hey, can we get this rep?' or 'let me get this route after practice?"
Daniel's desire to get those reps in accomplishes more than just honing in on a particular route or concept, too. It builds trust with McLaurin and lets his veteran teammate know that if he wants to go over anything, he won't be overwhelming the new kid on the team.
"It's exciting for me because it opens the door for communication because (rookies) have got a lot on their plate but when there's open communication and he's not afraid to get that work in before or after practice or talk through things, the growth process is a lot quicker."
What about Jayden Daniels' arm strength?
Although it's huge to hear about Daniels' leadership this early on in his career, McLaurin also touched on the buzz-provoking arm strength of his rookie quarterback. Everyone wants to know how legit the hype is in that regard.
"His touch on the deep ball is amazing," McLaurin said. "I love getting extra reps with practice. With him was catching the topping of the deep ball as big for me. I get to track the ball over my shoulder. It's big for him to be able to get used to dropping the ball in the bucket, but he just naturally delivers the ball and he sees the windows really well."
Even still, what seems to impress McLaurin the most up to this point in the offseason is the quarterback's maturity so early in his career. If the Commanders are to take the necessary steps to becoming a threat in the NFC East, Daniels will need to be more than a fast, strong-armed QB.
"He has a really good anticipation over the middle of the field," McLaurin explained. "He can make those throws and give you a chance to catch and run, and he's really accountable, we had a play today where he felt like he missed me, and it's not a big deal at all. I mean him, and I could talk through those things. And there's been a play that I've talked to him about I could done a better job of."
I don't know about you, but this is a glowing review from the Scary Terry.
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