Joe Theismann likes Jayden Daniels.
The former Washington Redskins quarterback (1974-85) was a guest on “The Sports Junkies” (106.7 The Fan) Friday and was asked to assess the Commanders’ rookie quarterback from LSU.
“He checks every box that you want for a young man to play that position,” began Theismann.
Theismann voiced how important April’s draft was for the Commanders, who have a new owner, general manager and coaching staff. He has been around the franchise for decades now, and he is quite aware of how different the fan base became with Dan Snyder as owner for 24 years.
“It was the absolute must choice for the Commanders to get [Daniels] with that pick,” Theismann said. “Nothing else would have satisfied the fans, totally understand that. You watch his work ethic, and then you talk to the coaches, and you see how he applies himself. His demeanor is very, very even-keeled. That is why he was drafted where he was and was the Heisman Trophy winner.”
Not only does Theismann like what he has seen in Daniels’ work ethic and processing, but he also likes Daniels’ skill as a passer.
“I always look at how smooth the delivery is. Is it labored? Is there a herky-jerky movement to it? He’s got a great, smooth release,” Theismann said.
The coaching staff has repeatedly praised Daniels for his mental processing and learning of the offense. Theismann was a mobile QB but appreciates that passing is more important than running for a quarterback.
When asked to compare Daniels to Robert Griffin III, Washington’s second overall selection in 2012, Theismann did not hesitate to declare that he thinks Daniels is ahead of Griffin when it comes to passing.
History bears this out as well. Mike and Kyle Shanahan saw Griffin was athletic but not yet ready to process a passing offense from the pocket, so they designed a zone-read offense best for Griffin. He and running back Alfred Morris had huge success running the ball in 2012.
“He gets the ball out of his hand, and he processes very well, and he’s very smart,” Theismann said of Daniels. “To me, I have my fingers crossed that we have another C.J. Stroud. A young man that has athleticism but doesn’t place that above his ability to throw the football.”