University of Kwazulu-Natal

Commanders Star Earns Leaguewide Recognition Ranks Among Nfl S Top 21

Bonisiwe Shabane
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commanders star earns leaguewide recognition ranks among nfl s top 21

The NFL’s annual Top 100 list has become a measuring stick for players across the league, as the rankings come directly from votes by their peers. This year, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels made a dramatic entry, securing the No. 21 spot. The recognition cements his place among the NFL’s most respected players and signals just how impactful his debut season was. Daniels took the league by storm with his ability to extend plays, attack defenses with both his arm and legs, and elevate an offense that needed a new identity. Teammates praised his composure, opponents marveled at his dual-threat skills, and fans embraced him as the centerpiece of Washington’s future.

Finishing 21st on the list places him in elite company and highlights how quickly he has earned credibility. Players who voted made it clear that Daniels was not just a promising “Rookie of the Year’ last season, but an immediate second-year player who presents a problem for defenses. His presence in the Top 100 so early in his career suggests the league sees him not only as a rising star but also as someone who already ranks among the NFL’s most dangerous... Daniels’ ranking also represents a major milestone for the Commanders. Washington has searched for stability at quarterback for years, and Daniels has brought hope to a franchise that needed it. His No.

21 ranking validates the front office’s decision to draft him and reinforces the belief that he can carry the Commanders into a new era. Head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury have both stressed that Daniels’ growth is only beginning. The quarterback has shown a rare mix of leadership, confidence, and work ethic that complements his natural talent. Landing this high on the Top 100 provides not just recognition but also added motivation for Daniels to continue building on his strong foundation. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been ranked No. 21 among the NFL's Top 100 players of 2025, making him the highest ranked Commanders player on the list.

Daniels was the catalyst for Washington's success last season. Along with helping the Commanders become a top 10 offense, Daniels put together one of the best rookie campaigns in NFL history. He was the first player to have at least 1,000 passing yards and 250 rushing yards in their first five games and became the first quarterback in NFL history to have consecutive games with... Daniels also put himself in elite company this season. He joined the likes of Cam Newton and Washington Legend Robert Griffin III when he surpassed 3,000 passing yards and 600 rushing yards against the Saints, becoming just the third rookie in NFL history... Daniels finished the regular season with 3,568 yards and 31 total touchdowns, which helped him be selected as a primary quarterback for the NFC in the Pro Bowl.

Daniels became the first Washington rookie to be named to the Pro Bowl since Chase Young in 2020 and the first Washington offensive rookie and first Washington rookie quarterback to be named to the... Daniels joined Griffin III, Kirk Cousins (2016), Brad Johnson (1999), Gus Frerotte (1996), Mark Rypien (1989 and 1991), Jay Schroeder (1986), Joe Theismann (1982 and 1983), Billy Kilmer (1972), Sonny Jurgensen (1964, 1966, 1967... Daniels put himself among the best quarterbacks in the league by finishing in the top 10 in several categories. He ranked ninth in completion rate (69%) and fourth in QBR (70.6). Daniels also broke the NFL rookie rushing record for a quarterback and has thrown more touchdowns in the fourth quarter of games than any rookie in NFL history. Jayden Daniels has finally landed on the NFL's Top 100 Players list for 2025.

The Washington Commanders star quarterback is ranked No. 21 on the annual list of the league's top players. Daniels was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and would have a rookie season for the ages, completing 69% of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. Daniels also led the Commanders with 891 rushing yards and rushed for six touchdowns. He would go on to win every major NFL Rookie of the Year award, including the league's official NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Most importantly, Daniels led Washington to a 12-5 record and a spot in the NFC championship game. It was the franchise's best season in 33 years. Daniels is the fifth Commander to be named on the NFL's Top 100 list, joining Terry McLaurin (52), Frankie Luvu (70), Bobby Wagner (74), and Laremy Tunsil (86). When the Washington Commanders drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels, they knew they were getting something special; but no one could have predicted this level of success so quickly The Commanders have officially entered a new era with Daniels who has been ranked No. 21 on the NFL’s Top 100 Players list for 2025.

For a player entering just his second season, his placement shows just how impactful Daniels has been on the league and the Washington. Daniels is quickly becoming one of the biggest stories in football. NFL Top 100 Players of 2025: @Commanders QB Jayden Daniels makes his first appearance on this list at No. 21! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/A0Hu4FSZ7F The Commanders drafted Daniels with the No.

2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time proving why he was worthy of that selection. Daniels put together a rookie season for the ages, completing 69 percent of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. On the ground, he led Washington in rushing with 891 yards while adding six more scores with his legs. That dual-threat ability reshaped the Commanders’ offense and gave the franchise a legitimate star to build around. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes may take calculated risks on the field, but he’s apparently not much of a fan of gambling outside the sport. The sports world has been rocked by a series of major scandals involving sports gambling, which has ensnared athletes from the MLB and NBA in criminal investigations.

The NFL has already cracked down on gambling among players and is considering further measures to limit wagers on the sport in the wake of the scandals. Former Cleveland Browns executive Paul DePodesta appeared to take a subtle swipe at head coach Kevin Stefanski while discussing the team’s infamous Deshaun Watson trade. DePodesta departed the Browns earlier this month to become the Colorado Rockies’ president of baseball operations. Naturally, questions surfaced about Cleveland’s 2022 decision to trade for Watson and hand him a $230 million fully guaranteed contract — a failed move that has since become one of the franchise’s most scrutinized. There was news of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers signing at edge rusher ahead of the Week 11 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Tampa Bay Times beat reporter Rick Stroud reported on the defensive flyer, informing: “Bucs add LB Benton Whitley to the practice squad.”.

This roster move was also... Seems like not so long ago that the Packers‘ problem was a wealth of kickers. They had trusted veteran Brandon McManus on hand, who had come in during a rocky stretch in the kicking game in 2024 and settled the situation quickly. When McManus went out with a quad injury, the team turned to Lucas Havrisik, who was a perfect four-for-four on field goal tries and six-for-six on extra points. CHEYENNE—As the future of SNAP benefits, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is up in the air amid the federal government shutdown, Wyoming lawmakers are looking to update the program by prohibiting... Where would you rank Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels among the NFL's top signal-callers?

Some believe Daniels is already in the top five, right behind Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. Others left Daniels out of the top 10. Fox Sports recently revealed its list of top 10 quarterbacks, and Daniels made the list. Daniels was ranked No. 9, just ahead of Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys. Daniels needed just one NFL season to break into the top 10 at his position.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and led Washington to its most wins in a regular season since 1991. He completed 69% of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, while rushing for 891 yards and six touchdowns. But what cemented his ranking in the top 10 was his ability to lead the Commanders to the NFC Championship. At least Fox Sports correctly had Daniels inside the top 10. While all rankings are subjective, Daniels should be in everyone's top 10.

It would have been unthinkable a decade ago to see a second-year quarterback ranked inside the top 10. Daniels is different. While he had plenty of help last season, Daniels took on more of the offensive burden as the season progressed. He led Washington in rushing, while looking like a 10-year veteran, operating from the pocket. The Commanders have every reason to believe Daniels will be even better in 2025. Washington retained its entire coaching staff, which means offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is back.

The Commanders also beefed up their offensive line, particularly at offensive tackle and added a motivated Deebo Samuel as WR2. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has arrived, and the league has taken notice. According to ESPN’s latest Top 10 Quarterbacks list, compiled through votes from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, the Washington Commanders’ rising star has landed inside the Top 5 heading into the 2025 season. The list has well-known Championship pedigree signal callers on it. Daniels’ spot at five isn’t offseason hype, it’s a recognition of greatness in motion. After a sensational rookie year that earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl nod, Daniels is now grouped with MVPs and Super Bowl regulars.

For a franchise that has struggled to find a long-term star at quarterback, this represents a generational shift in expectations and reality. Daniels didn’t just impress; he broke the mold. He passed for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions in his rookie campaign. But it’s his dual-threat dynamism that separates him from the pack. He added 891 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, constantly keeping defenses guessing. Ron Rivera turned a once-consistent offensive line into one of the league's worst throughout his four-year tenure.

The Washington Commanders struggled as a result, but there was a shining light amid all the doom and gloom that enveloped the struggling franchise. Rivera emphasized position versatility, often to his detriment. That said, he got something correct by switching Sam Cosmi from the edge onto the interior before the 2023 campaign. The former second-round selection shone as everything around him crumbled last time around. Cosmi gave up one sack and conceded four penalties from 1,103 offensive snaps. This earned him an impressive 80.6 grade from Pro Football Focus and propelled the player to a core foundational piece for future success.

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