Washington’s first-round pick is currently making waves with one of the most remarkable rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history, and all signs point to the fact that his success is just getting started.

In 2023, the Carolina Panthers grabbed headlines by trading up with the Chicago Bears to select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young as the first overall pick. The Houston Texans followed suit, taking Ohio State’s CJ Stroud at No. 2. Fast forward a season, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. Young has faced struggles and is now backing up a 36-year-old veteran, while Stroud has shined, clinching the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year title.

The trend continued into the 2024 draft, where quarterbacks occupied the top two spots once again. The Bears took USC’s Caleb Williams with the first overall pick obtained from the Panthers, while the Washington Commanders selected LSU’s Jayden Daniels at No. 2. This selection signals a transformative moment for Washington, moving from a struggling franchise to one filled with potential.

While Williams has performed well, after just four weeks into the 2024 season, Daniels has emerged as not only the standout rookie of his class but potentially one of the most impressive rookie quarterbacks in NFL history. His statistics are nothing short of extraordinary.

Daniels boasts a remarkable expected points added (EPA) per dropback of 0.32, the highest for any rookie quarterback during the first four weeks since 2000. He leads the NFL in overall passing EPA with an astonishing +50.7, significantly ahead of Josh Allen’s +36.7. With an impressive 82.1% completion rate, Daniels has set a record for the highest completion percentage over a four-game stretch since at least 1950. The Commanders have scored on 23 drives this season, while Daniels has only 19 incompletions—an accomplishment last seen in 1973 with the Los Angeles Rams.

The 2024 Commanders rank second all-time in EPA per drive for the first four games of a season, trailing only the legendary 2007 New England Patriots. Unlike some quarterbacks who rely on short, safe passes, Daniels opts for a different strategy. This season, he has completed 18 of 21 passes for 294 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions on attempts that travel 10-19 air yards, achieving a passer rating of 134.6. While he’s still refining his deep passing game, it’s clear he’s learning and adapting quickly.

Daniels’ stellar performance continued during Washington’s 42-14 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals. This game held special significance for him, having played his first three college seasons at Arizona State before transferring to LSU. After the victory, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn honored offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, a former Cardinals coach, by presenting him with the game ball.

Like any rookie, Daniels faces his share of challenges, including turnovers, but he has shown a remarkable ability to learn from his mistakes. After throwing his first NFL interception to Arizona cornerback Garrett Williams, he bounced back, completing 26 of his next 28 passes. Reflecting on the interception, Daniels remarked, “I want that one back, but you’re good. Move on to the next play. The NFL is always about the next play.”

Those around him share his confidence, knowing he rarely makes the same mistake twice. So far, Daniels has navigated a complex NFL offense with a level of skill uncommon for a rookie. His pocket presence and unconventional throwing ability place him in the company of established stars like Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford. A standout moment during the game was a beautifully executed 17-yard completion to rookie Luke McCaffrey, highlighting his growing command of the position.

Unlike other rookies who have struggled after promising beginnings, Daniels seems poised for a long and successful career. Kingsbury’s diverse play-calling has created numerous opportunities for him, and he’s adept at utilizing his physical abilities while executing the offense effectively. As Quinn noted after the win, Daniels maintained professionalism and focus amid the familiarity of the setting.

“I’m really proud of how he handled the situation,” Quinn remarked, emphasizing the extensive preparation Daniels engaged in leading up to the game. “They spent many late nights in the room watching tape together, really putting in the extra work.”

With everything he’s accomplished in just a short time, it’s hard to believe Daniels will be anything less than a lasting sensation. What we’re witnessing now is likely just the beginning of a truly remarkable career.