Jets' Gardner praises Commanders' Daniels after joint practice

Jayden Daniels turned heads during the Washington Commanders' joint practice with the Jets on Thursday, and New York cornerback Sauce Gardner expects great things from the rookie quarterback.

"I just told him, 'You're going to be real good.' It was great to just be able to line up against him," Gardner said after the practice, according to NBC4 Sports. "As a corner, you want to go against a rookie quarterback. But he's one of those guys. He's developed."

The rebuilding Commanders kicked off a new era by drafting Daniels second overall in April. The 23-year-old stood out during his final two college seasons at LSU and won the Heisman Trophy in 2023.

Gardner, who entered the league as the No. 4 selection in 2022, has since established himself as one of football's top corners. He earned two first-team All-Pro berths and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Gardner also said he and Daniels had fun trash-talking each other during their joint practice session.

While practicing in heavy rain, Daniels completed seven of 15 pass attempts, according to Lynnell Willingham of 106.7 The Fan. But the first-year passer produced highlight-reel moments.

"He's an impressive kid. … I know our building thought very highly of him also," Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Thursday. "They got a good one to work with."

Washington and New York will face off on Saturday to begin their preseason slate.