There are uncanny similarities between the careers of Jayden Daniels and Robert Griffin III.

Both are Heisman Trophy winners. Both were selected by Washington with the No. 2 pick. Both wasted no time in adapting to the NFL, starring in their first seasons.

Of course, commanders are hoping that Daniels’ time in the league goes differently than RGIII’s. Injuries derailed Griffin III’s career, and after three years as Washington’s starter, he found himself out of role and soon out of the organization.

However, if you just want to compare the pair’s first seasons in the league, there’s a lot to be said about Daniels’ trajectory. Griffin III won Offensive Rookie of the Year and was named to a Pro Bowl in 2012. While there is still plenty of season left in 2024, Daniels is well ahead of the rest of the field and appears to be well on his way to taking that honor. also.

How similar are the rookie seasons for Daniels and Griffin III? The Sportnieuws investigates.

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Jayden Daniels vs. Robert Griffin III rookie stats

Griffin III wasted no time in showing his dual-threat ability in the NFL. The former Washington starter had an incredibly successful rookie campaign in 2012, beating out former Colts star Andrew Luck and then-Seahawks starter Russell Wilson for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and it wasn’t that close. He received 58 percent of the vote for the honor, compared to 22 percent for Luck and 20 percent for Wilson.

His passing stats were not at the level of Luck and Wilson. The Washington star threw for 3,200 yards (22nd among all QBs) and 20 passing touchdowns (tied for 19th among QBs), but his 65.6 completion percentage was good for fifth among starting QBs and he only threw five choices.

What helped Griffin III win the award was his impact in the rushing game. Not only did he finish first among quarterbacks in rushing yards with 815, but that was good for 20th in the league. His seven rushing touchdowns were one behind former Panthers star Cam Newton.

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When it comes to Daniels, it’s a similar story. His passing was strong, but it is his ability to make a difference with his legs that is enticing.

Entering Week 11, Daniels has thrown for 2,147 yards (12th among all QBs) and nine touchdowns (21st among all QBs). He is averaging 214.7 yards per game, which ranks 20th in the league. They were solid passing numbers, especially considering Daniels’ lack of weapons outside of Terry McLaurin, but it’s his rushing performance that adds another element to his game.

Daniels trails only two-time MVP Lamar Jackson in rushing yards among QBs, who rushed for 464 yards. His four touchdowns rank second among quarterbacks, with Steelers QB Justin Fields leading the way so far.

There’s a chance Daniels will finish his rookie season with more passing yards and rushing yards than Griffin III, but it will certainly be close.

Regardless, it’s been a phenomenal first campaign in the NFL for the Commanders quarterback, and he certainly looks like a franchise quarterback.