Daniels not sweating Week 1 starter status: That decision 'above me'

As the No. 2 overall pick, it would be a surprise if Jayden Daniels doesn't start for the Washington Commanders in Week 1, but the rookie quarterback doesn't seem concerned with when exactly he's handed the job.

"Do I anticipate (starting Week 1)? I mean, I'm confident in my abilities, but that's a decision that they've got to make," Daniels said on Keyshawn Johnson's "All Facts No Brakes" podcast. "That's above me."

When pressed by Johnson to answer if he thinks Washington intends to bring him along slowly, Daniels suggested he'll land the top job as soon as he shows he's prepared to take it on.

"From what I heard, they said whenever I'm ready, I'm ready," he said. "So whenever I feel like I'm ready, I'm ready. ... They didn't tell me, 'Oh, you've got to start Week 1.' They just said, 'Whenever you're ready, you're ready. Whenever you feel ready, we feel you're ready, we're gonna throw you out there.'"

If Daniels isn't ready to start Day 1, the Commanders signed an experienced backup in Marcus Mariota during free agency. Washington traded 2023 starter Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks and allowed Jacoby Brissett to sign with the New England Patriots.

Daniels propelled himself to the top of the first round with a Heisman-winning campaign in his final season with the Tigers. He was one of six first-round quarterbacks selected in the top 12 picks, joining Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix.

The star signal-caller tied for the most touchdown passes (40) and the third-most passing yards (3,812) in the FBS. He also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 scores.