Jayden Daniels – Quarterback – 23 years old – Senior – LSU
Height: 1.93m
Weight: 93 kg
2023 stats: 12 games, 236/327 (72%), 3812 yards, 40 touchdowns, 4 interceptions – 135 carries, 1134 yards, 10 touchdowns
Estimated position in the draft: 1st Round (Top 5)
NFL Comparison: Jalen Hurts
2023 is Jayden Daniels season. Heisman Trophy (equivalent to college MVP), the LSU quarterback has improved in all areas required by the position. Certainly, he still has progress to make, like any rookie. But the certainty is that he is among the best quarterbacks of this vintage.
Next April, if creating a surprise as number 1 seems improbable, is his exceptional last season enough to be the second quarterback called up? In any case, his many qualities make him an intriguing prospect, and one who could (perhaps) shine every Sunday of the NFL season.
Jayden Daniels' Highlights
- Double Threat
- Precision in motion
- Athletic qualities
In his college career spent in 2 teams (Arizona State, LSU), Jayden Daniels scored a whopping 124 touchdowns. 89 are passing, 35 are running. In addition to the statistics, the quarterback does not hesitate to get out of the pocket to try to get the first down.
To do this, he can do it with his arm, where his precision in movement is sometimes exceptional. Like many great quarterbacks in the NFL, Jayden Daniels is able to buy time to allow his receivers to stand out. A quality that cannot be denied by scouts in a modern NFL. We can also note a clear improvement in pocket management which allows it to launch precisely from the latter.
However, it is with his legs that he often makes the difference. The quarterback is able to evade several defenders by being more intelligent than powerful in his runs. With more than 3,000 yards in his college career, including 1,134 in his final year of college, his athletic potential is more than interesting. Combining that with throwing accuracy is a rare quality, and Jayden Daniels possesses it. Thus, he can change the course of a match with a spectacular play.
For a coach, or an offensive coordinator looking for a dual threat, the playbook can be very stocked with Jayden Daniels to fool the smartest, or most athletic, defenders.
Jayden Daniels' weak points
- Footwork
- First lecture
- Physical qualities
The first fault that we can find in him is his way of stepping back in order to see the game (dropback). His footwork and legs are not optimal. If the pocket is clean, this will not be visible. Otherwise, Jayden Daniels can sometimes panic and make risky decisions. The quarterback therefore sometimes has difficulty dealing with defenses changing patterns just before the snap.
Its first reading is therefore often messy, due to poor preparation of its process. This can therefore lead to inaccuracies and a game that can be fatal to his team.
Escaping defense is good. Otherwise, keeping the ball is a necessity in order not to give it back to the opponent. Jayden Daniels may have incredible athletic qualities, but his physical qualities are not exceptional. When in contact with a defender who is more aggressive and more physical than him, the ball could escape him. In the NFL, he will have to work in the gym to “strengthen” his game.
Possible destinations
Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders.
All the teams mentioned are looking for their future number 1 quarterback. Afterwards, it's all a question of style of play.
Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders' offensive coordinator, has had athletic quarterbacks under his leadership. Jayden Daniels is a quarterback similar to Kyler Murray, but taller. Development under his leadership promises to be more than interesting.
Same story for Luke Getsy, the offensive coordinator of the Raiders, who recently coached a dual threat profile with Justin Fields. The problem is the position of the Las Vegas team in the Draft. Barring a trade that sends Las Vegas into the top 5, the chances of seeing Jayden Daniels there are more than slim.
Same thing for the Vikings, and the Broncos, even if the quarterback's style of play might not be compatible with the philosophies offered by Kevin O'Connell and Sean Payton.
Finally, for the Patriots, selecting Jayden Daniels could break with the tradition of the passing quarterback in the pocket. With a new offensive staff, seeing the former LSU quarterback succeed Mac Jones is more than likely.
