What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages for Jayden Daniels in the 2024 NFL Draft?

The 2024 NFL Draft is shaping into a quarterback’s dream, with talented prospects vying to hear their names called early. One player generating significant buzz is Jayden Daniels, the dynamic dual-threat QB out of LSU. His Heisman-winning 2023 season has scouts drooling over his immense potential. However, as with any prospect, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider before an NFL team invests their future in Daniels.

While Daniels dazzled with over 5,000 total yards and 50 touchdowns last year, the biggest question surrounding him is whether his electric playmaking ability will translate to the pro game. His rare blend of athleticism and arm talent gives him a tremendously high ceiling.

Pros and cons for Jayden Daniels in the 2024 NFL Draft

Jayden Daniels brings a rare dual-threat ability, stressing defenses with his arms and legs. He has legitimate 4.5 speed and elite elusiveness to extend plays as a runner. As a passer, Daniels throws one of the prettiest deep balls in the class with excellent touch to all levels. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor…The dude makes plays happen with his arm and his legs. He’s got that Lamar Jackson-type ability,” raved an AFC scout.

Perhaps Daniels’ most impressive trait is his poise and processing ability from the pocket. Despite his highlight-reel scrambles, he is not just an athlete playing quarterback. Daniels goes through full progressions, manipulates defenders with his eyes, and makes sound decisions – his 1.6% turnover-worthy play rate in 2023 was elite.”The game seems to slow down for him,” said an NFC executive. “He shows great poise, anticipation, and timing for a college quarterback. The mental part of his game is advanced.”

Conversely, there are some legitimate disadvantages and concerns about Daniels’ game translating to the NFL. His slender 6’3″, 210-pound frame raises durability questions, given his reckless playing style that exposes him to big hits. Bulking up and refining his running mentality will be critical. Additionally, while Daniels has more than enough arm strength, he doesn’t possess an elite cannon that allows him to fit consistently through tight windows. His velocity also noticeably dips when he’s unable to step into throws.

Read more: LSU QB Jayden Daniels Is the ‘Closest Thing’ to Patrick Mahomes, Claims NFL Scout

Like many spread quarterbacks, Daniels will also face a learning curve in transitioning to more complex pro-style offenses. At LSU, he rarely took snaps under center and was not asked to make full-field reads consistently. Most of his throws came off quick-game or one-read plays. Sitting to grasp an NFL system for a year fully could be highly beneficial.

Jayden Daniels’ journey and potential fits

Jayden Daniels’ journey has been inspiring. The California native started as a true freshman at Arizona State before transferring to LSU in 2022. That move paid dividends as Daniels thrived under Brian Kelly, winning the Heisman in a spectacular 2023 campaign. He credits trailblazers like Doug Williams and Warren Moon for paving the way and inspiring his path.

The talented but polarizing Daniels could land with several QB-needy teams picking in the top 10 – the Patriots (#3) view his athleticism as an offensive spark. In contrast, the Commanders (#2) could target his dual-threat ability if missing on Caleb Williams. The 49ers, Vikings, and Giants have also met extensively with him.

Wherever Daniels lands, his particular skill set, mental aptitude, and drive give him the potential to buck the dual-threat QB trend and develop into a franchise player – a tantalizing upside too good for teams to ignore.

Read more: 2024 NFL Draft: Mac Jones Trade Forces Patriots to Weigh Options – Jayden Daniels, Marvin Harrison Jr, or Justin Fields?