Daniels has had quite an interesting path to the NFL. He was in college for five years starting with his time at Arizona State. He played with the Sun Devils from 2019 to 2021. He then transferred to LSU where he played well in 2022 and burst into the scene last season. He won the Heisman Trophy completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdown passes and 4 interceptions. Daniels also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Here is my scouting report on Jayden Daniels.
Jayden Daniels, QB, 6-3 210, LSU
Arm Strength: Plus arm talent. Can push the ball down the field with ease. Flicks his wrist and the ball travels 60 plus yards. Can make all third level throws in the playbook.
Set Up Quicks: Smooth and fluid in his drop. Gets to the top of his drop quickly and sets up. Gathers his feet, has a wide base and can step and throw effectively.
Accuracy:Shows good touch and anticipation on inside throws. Vertical accuracy can wane a little st times. Will overshoot receivers deep. Needs to work on that area, especially in the red zone.
Field Vision: Does a good job of scanning the field and feeling pressure, not seeing pressure. Has shown a willingness to take it in the chops if need be and deliver on time.
Running Ability: The best running quarterback in this class. A long strider who chews up turf once he breaks contain. He is not Lamar Jackson but he can be used on designed quarterback runs like QB Stretch and QB draw.
Delivery: Clean and ease. Doesn’t waste motion by coming over the top. Can drop his arm angle and make off-platform throws as well.
Ball Handling: Daniels does a good job on his fakes. Comes off play-action nice and tall and can set up and deliver the football on time.
Leadership: Well liked by his teammates. A worker. Daniels is poised under pressure and has proven he can deliver when he needs to make plays.
Final Report: Daniels should go second overall to the Commanders. If he doesn’t by chance and Drake Maye does, he should be the Patriots. Either way, Daniels is pro ready and can start from day one as a rookie.
Draft Range: 1st