Commanders center Tyler Biadasz discusses working with QB Jayden Daniels

Biadasz praises Daniels’ work ethic and discusses the center/QB relationship.

Before the 2021 NFL season, the Washington Commanders had stability at center. Chase Roullier just signed a four-year extension and Washington should’ve been in good shape at a critical position for years to come.

Unfortunately, Roullier suffered injuries in 2021 and 2022, playing a combined 10 games over those two seasons. Washington released him last year, and he has since retired.

During that time, the Commanders cycled through multiple centers due to injury. Heading into this offseason, there was no way general manager Adam Peters would not make a significant investment in the position, especially with a rookie quarterback also coming to town.

One of the first moves in free agency saw the Commanders agree to terms with Dallas center Tyler Biadasz. The four-year veteran took over as the Cowboys starting center late in his rookie season and never looked back. When Peters hired Dan Quinn as the head coach, Quinn and Peters made signing Biadasz a priority.

While the Commanders also needed a left tackle, Washington’s need to find a veteran center for Jayden Daniels was even more urgent.

After Wednesday’s OTA practice, Biadasz spoke about working with Daniels and how that process is coming along.

“Yeah, you do it,” Biadasz said when asked about building that rapport. “You take snaps. Legit, you take snaps, you literally go out on the field and be like, ‘Hey, I want to get like 20 snaps or whatever. Or, ‘How do you see this or how do you see that?'”

More from Biadasz.

“It’s that development of a relationship, where it’s like, a brotherhood of like he’s coming in fresh out of college, so it’s like one of the things where this is the biggest work mode you have to be in, even though it’s on the OTA side and that you’re going into a break coming up, but like, it doesn’t stop. You consistently have to keep working at that craft because it’s a relationship that never ends. I think like it’s one of those things where each and every day, you have to keep putting that time in…….keep getting that 1% better every single day mindset……and he’s doing a great job on his end.”

Biadasz noted how Daniels was one of the first people in Washington’s building every day, working with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and always in the film room.

The message is always consistent regarding Daniels: He will not be outworked. When you are the No. 2 overall pick with Daniels’ immense talent, that’s the exact trait you want from your new franchise quarterback.

Daniels’ relationship with Biadasz is important because if Daniels becomes the player the Commanders think he will be, they could be together for many years.

Wednesday’s practice represented another step in Jayden Daniels’ development

Wednesday’s practice was the latest step in Commanders QB Jayden Daniels’ development.

The Washington Commanders have only one Organized Training Activity (OTA) remaining after Wednesday’s open practice. Washington has Thursday off before wrapping up OTAs on Friday.

The next challenge for the Commanders is the mandatory minicamp which runs from June 11-13.

During Wednesday’s OTAs, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels worked in 11-on-11 drills for the first time in front of reporters since he was drafted in April. That represented the latest stage in his development as he previously faced the defense in 7-on-7 work.

There were reports of Daniels having at least one rough series on Wednesday, according to JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan and NBC Washington.

Relax. We haven’t even made it to training camp yet.

Zach Selby of commanders.com offered the following update on Daniels in 11-on-11 work:

The Commanders went through 11-on-11 drills today for the first time in front of reporters, marking the first time we’ve seen Daniels go against something resembling an NFL style pass-rush. He had to scramble out of the pocket a couple of times, but Daniels remained calm as blitzers closed in around him. He went through his progressions, had impressive footwork and zipped the ball to his targets. It’s still just June, but it’s a good sign of his development.

Aside from Daniels’ pocket presence, the most noticeable difference was how loud practice was during 11-on-11 drills. The defense was being vocal, communicating their reads to one another, while the offense was making checks at the line of scrimmage. Clearly, being on the same page has been a focal point for the new coaching staff, and that extra attention is paying off.

This is when you want Daniels to struggle — and then shake it off with a strong series. That’s apparently what happened on Wednesday. Daniels is going to take his lumps for several reasons. For as talented as he is, he’s only now facing an NFL defense for the first time. Secondly, the entire offense is learning a new offense with several new starters, including Daniels.

Finally, the defense is always ahead of the offense at this point in the offseason.

Washington has one more OTA practice (Friday) and holds its mandatory three-day minicamp next week, which will mean more good work for Daniels.

LOOK: Photos from Commanders’ minicamp, including QB Jayden Daniels

Some of the best images from Commanders’ OTAs.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was back on the practice field Wednesday as we get one day closer to training camp.

As offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury continues to install the new offense, he’s worked closely with his new quarterback. Daniels has used the Offseason Training Activities (OTAs) to get more work in with his receivers, including tight end Zach Ertz and running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr.

During Wednesday’s practice, the intensity was ramped up as Washington did some 11-on-11 work and while things didn’t always go their way, that’s not what this time of the year is for. Head coach Dan Quinn acknowledged this part of the offseason is more about players learning and communicating.

We have photos of Wednesday’s action. Here are some of the top images:

PFF ranks Commanders running back among top 32 in the NFL

But it’s not Brian Robinson Jr.

We are at the point of the offseason where we see positional rankings. Last week, Pro Football Focus ranked the NFL’s top 32 quarterbacks. Now, PFF has ranked the league’s top 32 running backs.

The Washington Commanders have two running backs who could be considered for such a list: Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. Robinson is entering his third NFL season in 2024, while Washington signed Ekeler in March to serve as Robinson’s backup and the ideal change-of-pace back due to his strength as a receiver.

PFF did rank one, but it wasn’t Robinson. Ekeler came in at No. 29 with the following explanation:

Ekeler has been a curious case at running back. He has yet to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in his career, but his proficiency as a touchdown scorer is undeniable. Ekeler led the NFL in total touchdowns in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, scoring 38 total touchdowns in that time — more than any other skill player.

However, his overall performance dipped across the board in 2023. Ekeler earned a 60.2 grade and rushed for 628 yards and five touchdowns while averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.

Ekeler was phenomenal as a dual-threat back from 2019-22 but struggled last year, mostly due to a nagging injury. The Commanders signed him to a two-year deal in the offseason, and he reunited with his former Chargers head coach, Anthony Lynn, who coaches running backs in Washington.

But why not Robinson?

Robinson faced multiple obstacles last season yet thrived when given opportunities. As a rookie, he rushed for 797 yards despite being shot twice in the leg in the preseason. Robinson missed the first four games but returned in Week 5. He was never 100% during his rookie season but still produced solid numbers.

In 2023, Robinson was healthy and rushed for 733 yards, but his yards per carry were slightly up in an offense where former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy refused to run the football. Robinson did show how valuable he could be as a receiver, catching 36 passes for 368 yards and four touchdowns.

New offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is building an offense that will support rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels with a strong running game. Robinson and Ekeler could both have a big season in 2024.

But we have to ask, how is Robinson not ranked as a top-32 back? That’s silly.

What are the Commanders’ chances at making the playoffs in 2024?

Of the rebuilding teams, what are the Commanders’ chances of making the playoffs?

A common comparison for the Washington Commanders recently has been the 2023 Houston Texans. The Texans went from worst to first last season after winning just three games in 2022.

The Commanders won four games last season and have a new general manager, coaching staff and plenty of new players.

The key ingredient in comparing the 2023 Texans and 2024 Commanders is the quarterbacks. Houston selected C.J. Stroud at No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL draft, while Washington chose Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall last month.

Stroud was phenomenal as a rookie, looking like a 10-year veteran All-Pro at times in leading the Texans to the AFC South title. Stroud led Houston to a playoff win, too.

Can the Commanders follow a similar blueprint?

Bleacher Report recently ranked eight rebuilding teams and their chances of making the playoffs next season. The Commanders came in at No. 5 with the following explanation:

The Washington Commanders slide into the rankings one spot above the Tennessee Titans because they have a coaching staff with a solid track record.

Head coach Dan Quinn quickly turned around the Atlanta Falcons in his first stint as an NFL lead skipper. After a 6-10 season in 2014, they went 8-8 in the following year under his direction. If seven teams had made the playoffs in both conferences back then, he would have had a playoff squad in his first year as the Falcons lead skipper.

Quinn could lead a quick turnaround in Washington as well.

The Commanders selected 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft. He’ll have a solid receiver group that features Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and rookie third-rounder Luke McCaffrey.

Washington also signed pass-catching running back Austin Ekeler, who has hauled in 440 passes for 3,884 yards and 30 touchdowns in seven seasons.

The Commanders signed edge-rushers Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr., who both played under Quinn when he served as the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator. Linebacker Bobby Wagner is also familiar with Quinn from their time with the Seattle Seahawks, and he’s coming off a Pro Bowl campaign.

The Commanders offense could have a decent year with Daniels able to make plays with his arm and legs under experienced offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who, as play-caller, helped quarterback Kyler Murray put together Pro Bowl campaigns in 2020 and 2021.

Though Quinn won’t be calling the defensive plays in Washington, his familiarity with the roster personnel can help turn last year’s worst defense in yards and points allowed into a formidable unit.

This is very reasonable. Of course, the odds are against the Commanders making the playoffs. However, the talent on Washington’s roster last season was better than 4-13. Now, the Commanders have a proven coaching staff, and you can bet the defense will be better than last season’s 32nd-ranked unit.

The four teams ranked ahead of Washington were the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, and Las Vegas Raiders. The first three teams should be better than the Commanders in 2024, but we aren’t so sure about the Raiders.

As of now, Washington is the greatest unknown in the NFL, with so many new players and coaches. That could lead to a slow start, or the team could gel quickly behind its rookie quarterback and surprise some people.

WATCH: Commanders TE Zach Ertz still has hops

Zach Ertz already connecting with Jayden Daniels.

The Washington Commanders signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz this offseason because they still believe he can play. Ertz, 33, is coming off back-to-back seasons shortened by injuries but has experience playing for new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Washington fans know Ertz well from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz spent the first 8.5 seasons of his NFL career with the Eagles, where he enjoyed plenty of success against Washington.

However, another reason GM Adam Peters, coach Dan Quinn and Kingsbury wanted Ertz is for his veteran leadership. Ertz has spoken about being a leader for the Commanders but made it clear he still plans on being on the field.

Ertz will be counted on to help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels this season. During Wednesday’s OTAs, Ertz was already helping his young quarterback.

Here’s the play:

Ertz proves he still has hops.

The Commanders are counting on Ertz this season to make plays on the field and help transition Daniels and rookie tight end Ben Sinnott to the NFL.

Brian Robinson excited about the Commanders new OC

Brian Robinson Jr. is already a big fan of Kliff Kingsbury.

Kliff Kingsbury is making a good early impression on Commanders running back Brian Robinson, Jr.

Robinson told the media, Wednesday, “I love Kliff. I feel like he does a great job trying to get to know his players and how to know how to best utilize us. I feel like he has been doing a great job of that, and I appreciate him for that.”

Robinson was a third-round selection (98) in 2022 for the Commanders. He was shot just prior to the start of his rookie regular season, and after missing the first four games, he battled his way back to fitness and was ready for NFL action.

On Wednesday, he said he feels the best he has since being drafted to play here. He didn’t explain why he didn’t feel that good last year. In his rookie season, he rushed the ball an average of 17 times a game, compared to only 11 times per game last season.

Yet, the other side of the coin was that Robinson was provided with an opportunity to show what he could do as a receiver, and he certainly did not disappoint, collecting 36 receptions for 368 yards (10.2) and four receiving touchdowns.

However, Robinson really praised Kingsbury for how he leads the offensive team meetings, communicates in those meetings, conducts walk-throughs, and then conducts the actual practices.

“He has great communication and is trying to build a bond in our offense, to make us all come together.”

When asked what differences Kingsbury’s offense might bring, Robinson stated it would be more up-tempo than last year and ” a no-huddle offense.”

Robinson might be asked not to be so open next time about Kingsbury’s offense. But he couldn’t help expressing how he enjoys working with Kingsbury thus far.

NFL analyst says Jayden Daniels will have rookie impact similar to C.J. Stroud

Can Jayden Daniels have a C.J. Stroud-like season in 2024?

After the Houston Texans went from worst to first last year, it’s reasonable to ask which team can have a similar turnaround in 2024.

There is no better comparison than the Washington Commanders. Houston went 3-13-1 in 2022, fired its head coach, drafted a quarterback at No. 2 overall last year and won the AFC South with a 10-7 record.

That quarterback, C.J. Stroud, was phenomenal. Stroud made the Pro Bowl and won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He passed for 274 yards and three touchdowns in an AFC wild-card win over the Cleveland Browns and finished just short of a perfect passer rating.

Replicating Stroud’s success seems unlikely, but Washington is in a unique position. The Commanders finished 4-13 last season, have a new head coach, and selected a quarterback at No. 2 overall: LSU’s Jayden Daniels. Daniels had an unbelievable final college season that saw him win the Heisman Trophy.

While Daniels is known for his dual-threat ability, with some comparing him to Lamar Jackson, he’s more advanced as a passer coming out of college than Jackson.

Former NFL player and current analyst Bucky Brooks of NFL Network believes Daniels will have an impact similar to Stroud’s in 2023.

“The reason why is (Washington OC) Kliff Kingsbury has done this before with a young quarterback,” Brooks said. “Look no further than the work he did with Kyler Murray when Kyler Murray came out of Oklahoma. Right away, Kyler Murray hits the ground running and wins the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, has over 3,500 passing yards, 500 rushing yards and 24 total TDs. I would expect to see that type of production and performance from Jayden Daniels. When you look at Jayden Daniels, he is an elite prospect when it comes to his arm talent and his athleticism. He can put it together whether he is working on the script, or off the script. You look at the talent surrounding him: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, also with Austin Ekeler coming over to give them a threat out of the backfield with Zach Ertz.”

This isn’t the first time someone has said they can see a turnaround for Washington in 2024 similar to Houston’s, mainly because of the quarterback situation.

If the Commanders are better offensively as most believe, you can best believe head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will have the 32nd-ranked defense playing much better in 2024.

Why Jayden Daniels fits best with the Commanders

Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury appear to be a good match.

In the months leading up to the 2024 NFL draft, there was a lot of debate on which quarterback the Washington Commanders would select at No. 2 overall. Would it be Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels?

Opinions were split early between the two quarterbacks; however, Daniels was always the favorite. Several analysts believed the Commanders would pick Daniels because of his potential fit in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. Daniels possesses elite running ability and enters college a more high-level passer than Kingsbury’s last quarterback, Kyler Murray.

Washington chose Daniels, and general manager Adam Peters said the team knew it would be Daniels for a while.

So, how does Daniels fit Kingsbury’s offense?

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently examined the fit of all 2024 rookie quarterbacks with their new teams, and here’s what he said about Daniels and the Commanders:

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is now calling plays under coach Dan Quinn, and Daniels has a similar skill set to the QBs with whom he has had success in the past. Expect this Washington offense to resemble what Kingsbury ran in Arizona with Kyler Murray — and that should suit Daniels well. The rookie can get the ball to all areas of the field, and the passing game should feature plenty of formations that involve three or four wide receivers designed to attack down the field. With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson on the perimeter, Daniels already has two dependable pass-catchers at his disposal. But designed QB runs will also be an underrated element of this scheme. Daniels ran for 1,134 yards last season, and he can bring that added dynamic to the offense.

Kingsbury has coached other dual-threat quarterbacks, too. He’s also had success with pocket quarterbacks. The Commanders believe Kingsbury will get the most out of Daniels and spent the offseason building an offense around his unique dual-threat ability.

In addition to McLaurin and Dotson at wideout, Washington beefed up the interior of the offensive line, signing center Tyler Biadasz and guard Nick Allegretti. The Commanders’ interior offensive line should be significantly improved in 2024. Washington has plans to run the ball, using a lot of 12 personnel. The Commanders signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz and spent a second-round pick on Ben Sinnott.

Additionally, Peters drafted wide receiver Luke McCaffrey in the third round, giving Daniels even more offensive weapons.

There’s a belief that Daniels will have success early in his NFL career. Outside of not doing enough at offensive tackle, the Commanders did an outstanding job of building an infrastructure around Daniels with personnel and the coaching staff.

Jayden Daniels impressing in OTAs with Washington Commanders

“He’s intentional in everything he does,” Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said of Jayden Daniels.

[autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]’ NFL career is just getting underway, but he’s making a strong impression at OTAs.

“He’s intentional in everything he does,” Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said.

The Commanders spent the No. 2 overall pick on Daniels last month. After years of offensive struggles, the franchise is hoping Kingsbury and Daniels can turn it around.

“He has a plan for studying. He has a plan for practice. He has a plan for watching film,” Kingsbury added. 

At LSU, Daniels was praised for his “first one in, last one out” mentality. Daniels always had the talent, but his development reached a new level at LSU with Daniels taking advantage of VR along with other resources to take a mental leap.

We’re seeing Daniels apply the same approach in Washington.

“Just going through the lumps of being a rookie and trying to learn how to be a pro, I’m just trying to learn as much as possible,” Daniels said.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.