Quarterbacks

Jayden Daniels NFL Draft Preview

By T.J. Besler

Posted on April 2, 2024

Jayden Daniels Post-NFL Draft

The Washington Commanders selected LSU QB Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick.  The pick makes sense for a Kliff Kingsbury-led offense.  Daniels has similar traits to Kingsbury’s former QB, Kyler Murray.  But Daniels is taller, faster, and younger, and is considered by many to be the best quarterback in this draft class.  Daniels isn’t walking into as good of a situation as fellow rookie Caleb Williams, but the Commanders’ offense has talent across the board.  Because of his accuracy and elite rushing ability, there is a chance that Daniels will lead all rookie signal callers in fantasy points in 2024.  This could allow him (although it’s unlikely) to finish the season as a top-12 QB.  In redraft, the preferred option is to get Daniels as a backup to a more established but unexciting veteran.  But if you want to take the chance on Daniels as your starter he could have a pretty safe floor because of his rushing.  In dynasty leagues, he is likely a top-three pick in 2QB/Superflex leagues and a top-eight pick in 1QB leagues.  There is a risk of injury with Daniels but he may have the most upside of any of the rookie QBs.

Jayden Daniels NFL Draft Preview

Even though LSU’s Jayden Daniels opted out of the drills at the NFL Combine, his draft stock has never been higher, with some experts even predicting he could go No. 1 overall (although I think that’s still a long shot.)  Daniels will go through drills at LSU’s Pro Day on March 27th, which could go a long way to determining when and to whom he goes in the draft.  Some analysts have argued that Daniels is a better overall passer and calmer in the pocket than Caleb Williams, and he should be drafted at No. 1. In contrast, others counter that he lacks the size and arm strength to justify being the first quarterback off the board.  No matter what side of the debate you land on, there is no debate that Daniels’ stock has increased significantly.  With five seasons of starting experience, Daniels possesses the playmaking ability and maturity in the pocket to be a successful NFL QB, and he has the accomplishments to back it up.  Daniels won the Heisman Trophy, AP College Football Player of the Year, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Davey O’Brien Award, the Manning Award, and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, to name a few.  

It’s unclear how high Daniels will go in the NFL Draft. Still, with how he is perceived at this moment, I’d be surprised if he made it past pick No. 3.  Picking him that early isn’t without its risks, but he possesses enough upside for me to believe the Bears, Commanders, or Patriots will be willing to take the chance.

Measurables

• Height: 6’ 4” 
• Weight: 210 lbs

POSITIVES

The first thing that jumps out at me is Daniels’ dual-threat capability.  He has elite speed, burst, and the type of flexibility that allows him to wiggle out of the pocket and get around defenders, breaking free into the open field.  No other quarterback in this year’s draft class comes close to Daniels as a rushing threat and athlete.  Daniels also shows great command from the pocket, and although he may be undersized, he has no issue with sitting in the pocket and working through his progressions, even if it means taking a hit.  Daniels is an accurate passer, even with the deep ball, and is often able to pick apart zone coverage.  He also possesses good mechanics and footwork.  Daniels is also creative with the ball in his hands, creating plays outside of the pocket with his elite athleticism.  Another skill that puts him ahead of some of the other QBs in the 2024 draft class is his ability to recognize pre-snap pressure and counter it.  Then there are the intangibles.  Daniels plays with a great deal of swagger and this confidence allows him to approach the game with a calm demeanor that keeps his footwork steady and gives him the patience and fearlessness in the pocket you look for at the next level.  With Daniels, going into a system willing to build around him and design an offensive scheme that suits him will be key, but if he finds that he could be a true difference-maker.

NEGATIVES

The first thing that may give NFL teams pause is his slender frame.  At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, teams may have durability concerns with Daniels.  Also, while his accuracy is largely unquestioned, Daniels did have some issues putting deep throws on faster receivers in stride.  His lack of arm strength and zip on his passes can at times create danger when he’s outside the numbers.  While in college his ability to anticipate made up for a lot of the deficiencies in his arm, but the tighter windows he will face in the NFL will force him to work on improving this aspect of his game.  There could also be a adjustment period for Daniels if he finds himself playing without a bonafide WR1.  At LSU, Daniels knew all he needed to do was throw the ball near Malik Nabers, and Nabers could turn it into a great play.  Daniels may have a receiver of equal or greater quality to Nabers on his NFL team but the chemistry won’t be there right out of the gate.  He will also work on eye placement.  In college, Daniels would often stare down Nabers (him being the first read) and telegraph where the ball was going.  That won’t cut it in the NFL.  Also, while Daniels’ ability to escape allowed him to extend plays, this will be more difficult in the faster speed of the NFL.  He will need to learn to take a sack and know when to throw the ball away.  The combination of his frame and his reckless abandon style of play is easy to get away with in college but could open him up to future injury in the NFL.  These are all things that can be taught and improved upon, but they are also important to any future success.

GRADE A-

The bottom line is that Daniels is a bit of a dice roll in this year’s draft class, but I’m still willing to give him such a high grade because of his elite athleticism and NFL-ready mechanics.  With his footwork, smooth arm action, impressive internal clock, and creativity, Daniels has all the qualities to be an impactful player at the next level.   His awareness is borderline elite.  He also has great touch and accuracy, making him a high-coveted prospect.  If I had to make a prediction, I’d say Daniels will be selected by the Commanders where his development will be aided by the presence of Jahan Dotson, Terry McLaurin, and new acquired Austin Ekeler.  He handles himself with the confidence of an experienced vet, and if he invests as much time into improving the things that still need improvement as he did with his footwork in college, he could be special.