The staff at ESPN recently compiled their prediction for who will emerge as the top 100 players in the NFL this season. While they noted offensive Laremy Tunsil was not considered since he is predicted to be out most of this season with his triceps injury, there was still one Washington Commanders player who made the list - quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Daniels was predicted to be No. 24 going into last season. But, injuries severely decreased his availability as he only played in seven games. In those games, Washington won two of them and he had a total of eight passing touchdowns. Now, Daniels is ranked No. 61 and the Commanders are looking to bounce back although they have lingering concerns with their offensive line. Here is what ESPN’s John
Keim predicted for Daniels this season:
“Daniels has posted arguably his best training camp, coming off an injury-filled season. He has been relaxed and appears comfortable in the offense, and offensive coordinator David Blough said the QB is "as accurate as he's ever been." It helps that he has a healthy WR Terry McLaurin and that the team signed Stefon Diggs. The big question for Daniels will be how his line protects him, especially with left tackle Laremy Tunsil sidelined after triceps surgery. -- John Keim
Signature stat: Last season, Daniels became the first player in NFL history to record 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in his first 20 career games.
2026 projections: 3,851 passing yards, 22 TDs, 10 INTs; 131 carries, 670 rushing yards, 5 TDs”
McLaurin also missed a chunk of last season and Washington filled a big need by signing Stefon Diggs. Daniels seems to get in his own way at times and it cost him last season. He put himself in situations where he would be more likely to get injured which is why he suffered three separate injuries last season.
What will ultimately be the difference in whether or not Daniels is a top 100 player is his availability. If he is able to stay healthy and play most of the season, he will be in the top 100 and maybe even the top 50; the Commanders could also find themselves back in the playoffs. However, if he misses significant time due to injury again, Daniels will not find himself among the top 100 players in the NFL this year.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: ESPN predicts Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will be one of the NFL's top 100 players
