J.Daniels Lands NFL Execs’ Vote for Rookie of the Year

We may still be a couple of months away from the NFL Honors, but when it comes to Offensive Rookie of the Year, NFL executives seem to have made up their minds. According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero’s annual early awards survey, Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is the frontrunner for the award.

In a poll of high-ranking executives from 27 teams—including 17 general managers—Daniels emerged as the clear favorite, narrowly edging out Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.

“The No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, Daniels leads all rookies with 3,045 passing yards and a 101.2 passer rating,” Pelissero wrote. “He’s also tied for second in touchdown passes (17) behind Denver’s Bo Nix and boasts a completion percentage of 70.5, the highest by a rookie in the common draft era.”

A Catalyst for Change in Washington

Daniels hasn’t just been good—he’s been transformational. The Commanders are enjoying their first winning season since 2016, boasting their best start since 1992. With Daniels at the helm, the team has shattered offensive records and silenced critics who doubted his ability to make an immediate impact.

Take his performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, for example. Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes, setting a record for the highest completion percentage by a rookie in a single game. Or consider his gritty win over the New Orleans Saints, where his poise and versatility were on full display.

“Along with coach Dan Quinn, a remodeled front office, and new ownership, Daniels is a big reason one of the NFL’s most downtrodden franchises has seemingly been reborn overnight,” Pelissero noted.

The Commanders are now 9-5 and on the brink of clinching a playoff spot—an unthinkable scenario at the start of the season.

Historic Feats and Elite Company

Daniels’ rookie campaign isn’t just impressive; it’s historic. He became the first player in NFL history to tally at least 1,000 passing yards and 250 rushing yards in their first five games. He also became the first quarterback ever to post consecutive games with a completion rate above 85% (minimum 15 attempts per game).

By surpassing 3,000 passing yards and 600 rushing yards against the Saints, Daniels joined an elite club of rookies that includes Cam Newton and Washington legend Robert Griffin III. Both Newton and Griffin went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Daniels seems poised to follow in their footsteps.

A Bright Future

NFL executives overwhelmingly agree: Daniels has been the best offensive rookie this season. He received 13 votes in Pelissero’s survey, compared to nine for Bowers. Denver’s Bo Nix garnered three votes, while Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving each received one.

While these early predictions don’t determine the official award, they provide a clear picture of how highly Daniels is regarded across the league.

For Washington fans, it’s been a season to remember. And with Jayden Daniels under center, it feels like this is just the beginning.

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