Daniels is a projected top five pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels will enter the 2024 NFL draft as a consensus top-five pick. After a breakout season that saw the 6’4 mobile quarterback bring the Heisman trophy back to Baton Rouge, Daniels’ stock rose tremendously.
While known for his incredible running ability, Daniels has an above-average pocket presence and is quick while making reads. The dual-threat quarterback is also a gunslinger consistently throwing deep balls on a rope.
This Jayden Daniels play isn’t a crazy highlight but I appreciate it.
In the pocket, working from right back to the MoF. The snap of his arm and angle to throw around a free runner in his face ! pic.twitter.com/jXxRhc4NVK
— Full-Time Dame (@DP_NFL) April 3, 2024
Daniels has been mocked as high as the second player taken in the draft to the Washington Commanders who are set to pick a quarterback after trading away QB Sam Howell. Other teams such as the New England Patriots, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings are all also interested in Daniels.
Jayden Daniels will be meeting with both the Commanders and Giants on Monday then.
Busy week ahead for him as teams try to beat the top-30 visit deadline to meet with players next Wednesday https://t.co/oNgh6dFx4u
— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) April 10, 2024
The speedy quarterback has his own concerns, but the biggest is how he protects himself. Daniels took multiple big hits during his Heisman campaign where he could’ve been better off sliding and defending himself. While his want to gain extra yardage and win isn’t necessarily a bad thing, NFL GMs and coaches prefer a guy who can protect himself and stay healthy.
Daniels has drawn an obvious comparison to Baltimore Ravens superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. Both possess the ability to beat opposing defenses on the ground along with the deep ball. The soon-to-be NFL quarterback addressed his comparisons to the now two-time MVP by saying “I don’t like to compare myself to anybody, but there are some similarities. What he’s doing, he’s playing at a very high level, so kudos to him. He’s the GOAT of this running and throwing, and I’m just following suit behind.” per Nick Goss of NBC Sports Boston.
While there are concerns about Daniel’s size and ability to protect himself, whichever team lands the 6’4 dual-threat quarterback will get a freakishly athletic and talented player who has battled through adversity to win.