Regarding the 2024 NFL Draft, you need to be aware of what is real, and what may just be a smokescreen. In the case of Jayden Daniels, it has long been assumed that the LSU QB could be the No. 2 pick later this month, but is that real or fake?
One prominent NFL insider seems to think it’s real and is even ready to pencil Daniels in at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Adam Schefter Believes Jayden Daniels Will Be Selected No. 2 Overall
On the latest episode of The Adam Schefter Podcast, Schefter spoke about Daniels and his feelings regarding his place amongst this year’s quarterback prospects.
“I know we’re not supposed to spoil picks, and we’ll see how the Commanders decide to move forward with the No. 2 overall selection, but a little over a few weeks out, to me, the signs continue to point to Jayden Daniels being the second overall pick at No. 2.
“It’s hard for me today, today, to see Jayden Daniels sliding much past pick No. 2. So let’s pencil him there…We’ll see how this shakes out, I think that’s how it’s stacking up a few weeks out. Caleb Williams 1, Jayden Daniels 2…”
Adam Schefter on his latest podcast:
“I think the signs continue to point to Jayden Daniels being the 2nd overall pick at #2… Caleb Williams 1, Jayden Daniels 2, and then the New England #Patriots would be on the clock at #3 with the possibility of taking Drake Maye.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/dGFTwsZlw6
— Casey Baker (@_CaseyBaker) April 4, 2024
Schefter is quick to point out this is just his opinion. It’s not something he’s been told for certain, but reading through the tea leaves, this is how the NFL insider sees things unfolding to start the draft.
Daniels’ Ascension to Potential QB2
Daniels and Drake Maye have been compared to each other throughout this pre-draft process, as they’re presumably the two quarterbacks in the mix for Washington. Among NFL Draft analysts, it appears to be close to a 50/50 split as to who is the better prospect.
But Daniels’ athleticism, big arm, and his Heisman Trophy résumé have separated him from Maye in the eyes of many evaluators. The debate between the two QBs will be long-winded, as both careers will be analyzed for years to come. However, as the NFL Draft world convenes in Detroit at the end of the month, it’s hard to ignore the growing sentiment.
Dan Quinn and the Commanders have been aggressive in their pursuit of talent this offseason. If they can get the QB selection right at the top of the draft, it could be a massive shift in not only the NFC East but the NFL as a whole. Those around the league, including Schefter, believe the man for the job is Daniels.
Daniels’ Scouting Report
Daniels is the third-ranked quarterback and 25th overall player on PFN’s NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings’ Big Board.
In Daniels’ scouting report, Cummings’ strengths include his speed, big-play ability, and quick release.
“Daniels’ Heisman-winning 2023 campaign was a microcosm of his big-play ability,” says Cummings.
“He’s an incredible pure rushing threat with his speed, burst, agility, and bend at his size, and he’s also a deep ball merchant with impressive leverage ID skills and deadly downfield touch.”
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Like every prospect, though, Daniels also has some weaknesses and concerns at the next level.
“Meanwhile, on the operational side, Daniels still has room to grow,” Cummings says.
“His anticipation, particularly over the middle of the field, can be hot and cold, and his twitched-up athleticism can yield a lock of mechanical control. At over 23 years old, it’s fair to wonder if these issues can be remedied.”