The Washington Commanders may have the top rookie in the NFL with quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Over the first month of the season, Daniels has emerged as one of the league’s standout players.
As the Commanders, with a 3-1 record, prepare for their Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio drew comparisons between Daniels and Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who once was considered one of the league’s elite. Watson signed a historic 5-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the Browns in 2022, following a blockbuster trade that saw the Houston Texans receive a haul of draft picks in return.
Deshaun Watson cannot be serious pic.twitter.com/2w7B8tCt4l
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 22, 2023
Florio remarked that Sunday’s matchup features a rising star in Daniels going head-to-head with Watson, whose career has declined. He highlighted the growing contrast between Watson’s struggles and the hefty price Cleveland paid for him. Watson, who hasn’t played at a high level since 2020, faces mounting scrutiny as the Browns have started the 2024 season 1-3, a far cry from his Pro Bowl years.
Watson’s fall from grace is compounded by off-field controversies, including over two dozen lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. He was suspended for 11 games in 2022 and fined $5 million. Since then, his on-field performance has been lackluster, with Watson failing to surpass 200 passing yards in four consecutive games for the first time in his career.
Meanwhile, Daniels is approaching a milestone: with three combined rushing or passing touchdowns in the upcoming game, he could tie the NFL record for most total touchdowns (14) by a quarterback in their first five games, a record shared by Watson and Justin Herbert.
Daniels was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September after an incredible start, which saw him surpass Tom Brady’s record for highest completion percentage through four games.
