Jayden Daniels' Command of the Middle Makes Him a Rising NFL Star

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Jayden Daniels has quickly silenced the doubts that followed him from college into the NFL. As the Washington Commanders prepare for training camp, the rookie quarterback has already proven one key trait that sets him apart: his ability to process the field and deliver precision throws over the middle. It is this skill, often overlooked by casual observers, that could make Daniels one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. Before the draft, analysts questioned Daniels’ willingness to challenge defenses in the most dangerous part of the field: between the numbers. At the college level, he often avoided these risky throws, instead relying on his mobility and sideline reads. However, since joining the Commanders, Daniels has completely reversed that narrative. According to NFL analyst Sam Akridge, Daniels ranked third in completions over the middle in his rookie year and earned an 84.9 passing grade in that area—good for tenth in the league. Success in this part of the field is considered a litmus test for high-level quarterback play. These throws require not just arm strength, but anticipation, timing, and the ability to read defenses pre- and post-snap.

“When Daniels was in rhythm attacking the middle of the field,” Akridge notes, “he routinely made high-level, anticipatory throws—tight-window passes that few quarterbacks in the league are willing, or able, to attempt.”

Daniels’ development as a passer shows that he is not simply relying on athleticism; he is thriving under pressure and making the difficult plays that separate good quarterbacks from great ones. With training camp set to begin soon, the Commanders appear to have something special under center. If they continue to let Daniels work the middle and trust his instincts, they may be looking at a future All-Pro. What makes Daniels’ rise so impressive is how quickly he has adapted to the pro level. Processing the speed of the NFL game, especially from the pocket, is often what stalls young quarterbacks. Daniels, on the other hand, seems to thrive under that pressure, making complex reads and executing pinpoint throws even with defenders in his face. Daniels’ rookie season was more than just a promising start—it was a sign that the Commanders may have finally found their franchise quarterback. If his early success over the middle of the field is any indication, Jayden Daniels is not just surviving in the NFL. He’s thriving.