Commanders’ Jayden Daniels reveals wild $10,000 bet with Malik Nabers ahead of rookie season
The Washington Commanders selected their quarterback of the future last month, taking LSU standout and reigning Heisman winner Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall. At No. 6 meanwhile, the New York Giants selected his Tigers teammate, wide receiver Malik Nabers.
These two formed a lethal partnership in Baton Rouge, but now they will be opponents. To keep things entertaining however, Daniels revealed on Keyshawn Johnson’s podcast that he and Nabers are putting a $10,000 bet on who will win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Via Ari Meirov:
Daniels said Nabers was supposed to keep it a secret, but that didn’t happen.
Will Jayden Daniels or Malik Nabers win OROY?
When you’re two high picks in the draft, there’s always lofty expectations. Jayden Daniels was exhilarating in 2023 at LSU, rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns and throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns versus four interceptions. Daniels is the real deal, and Washington needs a spark, and he should start working right away. The Chicago Bears’ No. 1 overall choice, Caleb Williams, has the best odds to win OROY, with him coming in second.
Nabers, on the other hand, is a dynamic playmaker who finished the previous season with the Tigers with 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. In his rookie season, Daniel Jones might wind up as New York’s top wide receiver, but he isn’t the most reliable quarterback. Nevertheless, Nabers has a chance to take home the prize.
Other OROY contenders
There’s many others who are expected to be in the mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year, too. Marvin Harrison Jr is considered the best pass-catcher in this draft class and will be Kyler Murray’s top target in the desert for years to come. JJ McCarthy will step in and be QB1 in place of Kirk Cousins in Minnesota, giving him ample opportunity to perform. Rome Odunze, Bo Nix, Xavier Worthy, and Drake Maye are all ones to keep an eye on as well.
Will Daniels live up to the hype?
Some believed that Daniels was the most complete quarterback in this class above even Williams. While he was quite raw during his time at Arizona State, the youngster went to LSU and found his best, serving as one of the most dangerous dual-threat QBs in the nation.
Daniels will start at center in Week 1 unless there are any unforeseen circumstances. The Commanders added Marcus Mariota this offseason. Although he hasn’t been informed of that, the novice is ready for it:
“Do I expect (beginning with Week 1)? I mean, I have faith in my skills, but it’s up to them to decide,” he remarked. “I’m not above that.”
“They didn’t inform me that I had to begin Week 1 right away. “Whenever you’re ready, you’re ready,” is all they said. “We’re going to throw you out there whenever you feel ready.”
How he does in Year 1 will be intriguing to watch. For Nabers, the same holds true. A certain amount of money will be forfeited if one of them does bring home OROY.
