Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are projected to be the top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they don’t have what Jayden Daniels has. While Williams is similar to Daniels in that they both have a Heisman Trophy to their names, his scrambling ability pales in comparison.
Related: NFL insider compares Jayden Daniels’ meteoric draft stock rise to Joe Burrow
Daniels not only impressed scouts with his arm by passing for 40 touchdowns his senior year, but he also made a massive impact with his legs by rushing for 1,134 yards. Now, he’s drawing comparisons to a two-time NFL MVP.
NFL Draft scout says Jayden Daniels’ pro comparison is Lamar Jackson
Jayden Daniels’ Heisman campaign undoubtedly improved his stock ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. But there are still doubts about the former LSU QB’s skills translating to the next level. He was phenomenal in 2023, but why couldn’t he be consistent prior to his final season in college football?
Nevertheless, scouts are impressed with what Daniels showed, leading the nation in touchdowns while throwing just four interceptions. As the best dual-threat QB prospect in the draft class, Daniels is drawing comparisons to Lamar Jackson from ESPN’s Matt Miller.
“The Heisman Trophy winner was the most improved player in college football in 2023. He entered the season with a Day 3 grade from NFL scouts but put together a 50-touchdown campaign (40 passing, 10 rushing) with just four interceptions. Daniels is not only the draft’s best deep-ball thrower — he had a 99.6 QBR targeting vertical routes — he’s also the most dangerous runner among the quarterbacks. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder had 3,812 passing yards and 1,134 rushing yards last season. With a strong pre-draft process, QB2 status is not out of the question.”
ESPN NFL Draft expert Matt Miller on Jayden Daniels
When Jackson entered his name in the NFL Draft, some, including Bill Polian, wondered if he would be better off switching positions in order to take advantage of his athleticism. There’s no such question with Daniels, much like there never should have been with Jackson either.
However, just because he’s the best rushing quarterback to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, it doesn’t mean Daniels will be as polished as his peers. That’s where coaching and scheme, in addition to his surrounding talent, could play a major factor in whether Daniels finds immediate success.
