Insider notes from Commanders training camp: Jayden Daniels makes a mark as Washington kicks off rebuild

The early returns are in: the Washington Commanders are headed in the right direction. After offseason upheaval that saw the franchised sold and the front office cleared out, many wondered if the world would we see the same old Commanders. League sources not affiliated with the organization are telling me the franchise has made an about face since the departure of Daniel Snyder.

Sources who have visited Commanders headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia, tell me they are seeing the rebirth of this once-great organization. A franchise that was ruled for almost a quarter century under the iron fist of Daniel Snyder and was rife with controversy, as well as a lot of losing, is energized as never before.

As described by one source, “It’s a completely different building,” since Josh Harris took over the franchise in May, and everyone I’ve spoken with says the organization is heading in the right direction. Many believe Harris and his team hired the right people to run the franchise. Besides team president Jason Wright and general manager Adam Peters, director of player personal David Blackburn is receiving rave reviews. Blackburn spent 17 years with the Baltimore Ravens honing his skills before taking on his new position with the Commanders.

Washington Commanders Training Camp - Source: Getty

---

Inside Commanders training camp: Jayden Daniels a shining light

Another receiving rave reviews? Quarterback Jayden Daniels, the second selection of April’s draft. I’m told Daniels does not look like a rookie in the early going, rather people are impressed by the way he’s handling the situation. Daniels knows what he’s doing on the field and has looked impressive throwing the ball, especially the deep passes.

Besides his throwing ability, Daniels has shown a lot of leadership skills. Sources tell me teammates are gravitating towards Daniels, who could end up a Week 1 starter.

The feeling was that Marcus Mariota, a free-agent signing in the offseason, would start the season and the team would work Daniels into the lineup. Yet there is no denying that Daniels has been the better quarterback in the early going, and that plan may change depending on the continued progress of the team’s first round selection.

Washington invested heavily in the offensive line during free agency then drafted Brandon Coleman out of TCU in the third round. The early results look promising, as the Commanders should be able to field five good offensive linemen once the season starts versus trying to patch holes with mediocre blockers.

Just a few days into camp, there’s a lot of excitement in the Commanders organization, as people are looking forward to the future with hope, versus the past when they were consistently looking over their shoulder in fear.