There are striking parallels between the careers of Jayden Daniels and Robert Griffin III, both of whom were Heisman Trophy winners and drafted as the No. 2 pick by the Washington Commanders. Both players made impressive entries into the NFL, showcasing their talents immediately in their rookie seasons.
The Commanders undoubtedly hope that Daniels’ journey in the league diverges from the struggles faced by Griffin III, whose career was marred by injuries. While Griffin III starred for three seasons in Washington, he ultimately left the organization after his performance began to decline.
When comparing their inaugural seasons, Daniels is making a compelling case for himself. Griffin III secured the Offensive Rookie of the Year title and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2012. Although the current season still has weeks to play, Daniels is in a strong position to contend for similar accolades.
Examining their rookie statistics reveals that both quarterbacks excelled in multiple areas. Griffin III quickly established himself as a dual-threat quarterback, amassing 3,200 passing yards, with a completion rate of 65.6% and an impressive 815 rushing yards, the highest for any quarterback that year. His ability to contribute both through the air and on the ground helped him secure the Offensive Rookie of the Year award convincingly.
Daniels is carving out his own niche in this respect. With 2,147 passing yards entering Week 11 and an average of 214.7 yards per game, he is proving to be a solid player despite limited offensive support. His rushing statistics are particularly noteworthy, as he trails only MVP Lamar Jackson in rushing yards among quarterbacks, showcasing his versatility by totaling 464 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Both players’ statistics are comparable, with Daniels on track to potentially exceed Griffin III’s totals in both passing and rushing by the end of the season. Daniels’ promising performance thus far positions him as a franchise quarterback for the Commanders, bringing hope and excitement to fans.
In summary, while the trajectory of their careers remains to be seen, Daniels is establishing himself as a formidable talent in the NFL, and the Commanders may have found a long-term solution at quarterback.
This optimism stems not only from his strong performance but also from the invaluable lessons learned from Griffin III’s experiences, which could guide Daniels toward a more successful and sustained career in the league.