Oct 6, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) walks off the field after defeating the Cleveland Browns at NorthWest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

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Dan Orlovsky’s bold take on Jayden Daniels: ‘If I were the Chicago Bears, I would take him’

Dan Orlovsky's take on Jayden Daniels shakes up the NFL debate.

The Washington Commanders have transformed in just one year. Under new ownership, the franchise has pivoted toward success. But the real game-changer? Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has emerged as a standout talent.

Dan Orlovsky’s pre-draft statement about Daniels is making waves again. The former quarterback had said, “If I were the Chicago Bears, I would take Jayden Daniels.” He believed Daniels was a better choice than Caleb Williams, the consensus No. 1 pick by the Bears. Now, with Daniels leading the Commanders to back-to-back playoff wins, Orlovsky’s words seem prescient.

A rookie season to remember

Daniels has exceeded all expectations. From the start, he’s performed like a seasoned veteran. He led the Commanders to a dominant playoff victory over the Detroit Lions as 9.5-point underdogs and secured a spot in the NFC Championship. His poise under pressure and ability to win big games have turned heads.

Please, all #DaBears fans, watch this. Then read all the comments. And remember that this was the narrative even after Allen’s rookie season.

Dan should know better than to take a victory lap on your QB eval after one season. Irresponsible.

This aged like rotten milk. 🤝 https://t.co/vFliSnV5Sf
— Bryan Perez (@BryanPerezNFL) January 19, 2025

Meanwhile, Caleb Williams, hailed as a generational prospect, had an uneven rookie season. Though he showed flashes of brilliance, his progress has been overshadowed by Daniels’ stellar debut.

The debate: Daniels vs. Williams

Despite Daniels’ success, it’s too early to declare a winner in the Daniels vs. Williams debate. NFL history shows how premature conclusions can age poorly. CJ Stroud’s early comparisons to Tom Brady, for instance, were overly ambitious. Similarly, Josh Allen’s rookie struggles led to doubts before he became an MVP contender.

Orlovsky has a history of hot takes. While his assessment of Daniels now seems spot-on, his skepticism about Allen’s potential processing skills serves as a reminder that rookie seasons don’t define careers.

Chicago’s choice: Too soon to judge

When the Bears drafted Williams, it was seen as a no-brainer. His college resume and generational hype made him the obvious pick. Daniels, despite his strong LSU career, was a wildcard. One season later, Bears fans are hearing the all-too-familiar narrative of drafting the wrong quarterback, a story they know well from the Mitch Trubisky-Patrick Mahomes debacle.

But it’s unfair to label Williams a bust. He showed promise, including an impressive head-to-head victory against Daniels in 2024. His journey is just beginning, and the Bears’ investment in him could still pay dividends.

(Image: Imagn images)

Dan Orlovsky

Jayden Daniels

Natasha Bose

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