Jayden Daniels had the LSU Tigers ranked fifth in the nation prior to the 2023 college football season. There’s a chance that the fifth-year senior is the best quarterback in the SEC, but what does his NFL Draft projection look like, and how does his scouting report read?
Jayden Daniels Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 210
- Position: Quarterback
- School: LSU
- Current Year: Senior
Life is funny sometimes. In 2019, two “Slim Reapers” burst onto the college football scene. One of those players was Alabama’s DeVonta Smith, who caught 68 passes for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns while standing at six feet tall and weighing 160 pounds soaking wet.
The other was Daniels down in Tempe, Ariz. Standing 6’3″, the true freshman was listed at 175 pounds. Narrow shoulders and a paper-thin frame made him look even smaller than he was. But the young passer burst onto the scene as a freshman, throwing for 2,943 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Daniels added 355 yards and three more TDs on the ground that year.
After struggling through the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and again in 2021, Daniels transferred to LSU for 2022. After a surprising SEC West-winning season, the transfer QB was back in NFL Draft scopes. He performed well in 2022.
But he exploded in 2023. He is the likely recipient of the Heisman Trophy in 2023.
Jayden Daniels Scouting Report
Strengths
- Manipulates second and third-level defenders
- Spot zone coverage annihilator
- Great quick game feel
- Intermediate rhythm throws are automatic
- Creativity to escape pressure
- Lack of panic under pressure
- Disciplined feet create throwing hallways vs. pressure
- Quick release
- Explosive lateral mover with good vision
- Big-play threat every time he carries the football. Electric runner
Weaknesses
- Moderate velocity
- Absolutely no contact balance
- Inconsistent release sporadically leads to horrendous wobblers
- Has “on” and “off” days regarding ball placement
- Post-snap coverage rotations can catch him by surprise
- Takes far too many unnecessary hits
Current Draft Projection and Summary
There’s a lot to like about Daniels. He’s a naturally accurate passer to all three levels of the field with more than enough velocity to place passes into NFL windows.
Daniels likely entered the year as a Day 3 player, but there’s no way that someone can produce the way he has in the SEC without seriously improving their stock. Although he won’t improve to the point where he becomes the top pick like Joe Burrow did, he has improved his stock immensely.
The propensity to believe he is Josh Allen when he runs the ball could hurt his stock. He’s been banged up a few times this season throughout the year, and his aerial assaults often leave him in ugly spots.
But between his innate downfield accuracy, quick game prowess, and electric rushing ability, it’s not unfair to compare his playing style to Lamar Jackson, even if he’s not quite as dynamic as a rusher or passer.
It shouldn’t be surprising if he shows off his dynamic ability early on in his NFL career. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
