2024 NFL Draft Profile: Quarterback Jayden Daniels, LSU
Strengths, weaknesses and a summary of quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Jayden Daniels
Position: Quarterback
School: LSU
Play Style: Dual Threat
Age: 23
DOB: 12/18/2000
Height: 6'4
Weight: 210 lbs
40-Time: 4.5
FantasySp Position Rank: 1
Round Projected: Top Five Overall
NFL Comp: Tua Tagovailoa
Summary
The player comp we have here is Tua, but that's not entirely accurate now. As a passer he is like Tua, but prior to the hip injury. Daniels is even more mobile to that as well; however, his game as a passer is similar enough that we wanted to use him. Also, there isn't a great comp to him in the league at the moment otherwise.
What he did in 2023 at LSU was incredible and it earned him the Heisman Trophy. Last season he threw for 40 touchdowns and just four interceptions. That's a ridiculous stat like nothing I remember ever seeing, especially in a conference like the SEC where he was up against the stiffest competition in the nation.
What really stands out about Daniels and what we believe separates him from the pack is his football IQ. That's saying a lot when you see how accurate he is throwing the football. Nevertheless, his intelligence and command of the field is rare for a QB still in college and unmatched in this draft class. The way he sees the fields and reads defenses is also very impressive for a college athlete.
Strengths
- Off the charts football IQ
- Extremely accurate passer
- Commands the entire field
- Excellent reading defenses and adjusting before the snap
- Rarely makes mistakes or turns the ball over
- Able to make plays with both his arm and legs
- Is also very good in the pocket and will step up and throw instead of always taking off and relying on his legs
- Impressive footwork
- Throws with timing and anticipation
- Can throw on the run with ease
- Natural athlete
- Quick and compact throwing motion and release
Weaknesses
- Tall but slender making injuries a concern being that he runs as much as he does
- Good but not great arm strength
- Mechanics can be inconsistent
- Leaves deep balls short at times
Our Take
We have Daniels ranked as the top quarterback in this rookie class. While he may not have the pure arm talent as guys like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, his intangibles are unbelievable. Give me a quarterback with elite football IQ, who doesn't make mistakes, and commands the field over a guy with a canon for an arm any day if he doesn't match up in those other areas.
What he was able to accomplish in the SEC also was ridiculous. He will almost certainly be drafted top five and could go as high as second overall. We would take him with the first pick. This kid is going to be special and is the most NFL-ready in this rookie class.
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