Jayden Daniels: 32 Under-Center Dropbacks In Two Seasons And The Whole League Is Still Watching Him Figure It Out

Alright, Emerald City! We bleed green and blue at Seattle On Tap, but even we scout the NFC. What's going down with the Commanders and QB Jayden Daniels? It’s something the whole league needs to watch. Their three-day veteran minicamp is a huge milestone, deep in their offseason program, showing where they stand before pads go on in late July.

Jayden Daniels' Big Challenge Under Center

Here’s a wild stat: Jayden Daniels, their QB, had just 32 under-center dropbacks in two seasons, the NFL’s lowest. Kliff Kingsbury’s offense was pure college concepts. Now, new coordinator David Blough is installing a system like Ben Johnson’s in Detroit and Chicago. Daniels is confident in an under-center offense and performed well this spring. He's their lynchpin. If he nails this new system, some believe Daniels could match or top Caleb Williams’ 2025 campaign in Chicago under Blough’s scheme. Growing pains are expected, but progress must show in this minicamp.

Sonny Styles: The Green Dot General?

Then there’s No. 7 overall pick, Sonny Styles. Keep an eye on this dude, seriously. He’s got a perfect Relative Athletic Score, screaming "instant impact." While middle linebacker isn't a "premium" spot, it’s essential for their defense, and he’s the field general. Styles has safety speed from Ohio State, combined with linebacker physicality. A rare weapon! The "green dot" conversation points to him; it’s beneficial if he takes the gig. He’s got huge room to grow, but this minicamp needs to show big steps in leadership and schematic understanding.

Who Catches Passes Beyond Terry McLaurin?

Terry McLaurin is an elite athlete and their undisputed No. 1 receiver. But they're assumed to add someone else before games count. Brandon Aiyuk chatter is nonstop, thanks to his 49ers GM connection and Commanders gear on Instagram. Problem: He’s still under San Francisco’s control, and a trade is likely needed. Plus, he’s a bit erratic. Stefon Diggs is also on the market, potentially returning to the DMV, but that’s uncertain. Besides McLaurin, they have Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, and third-round rookie Antonio Williams. They seriously need to figure out who’s stepping up, because McLaurin can’t carry the load alone.

So, yeah, it ain't the Hawks, but we're always scouting the NFC. This Commanders minicamp is huge for them, and we'll be watching how Daniels, Styles, and that receiver room look coming out. Their success or struggles? It impacts the entire conference, including our path, so we're keeping tabs!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.