Jayden Daniels is widely regarded among the top quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft class following his Heisman Trophy-winning season at LSU, though many analysts have Caleb Williams as the class’ top QB prospect. One ESPN analyst is much higher on Daniels, however, ranking him as QB1.
Is Jayden Daniels QB1 in the 2024 NFL Draft?
ESPN’s Louis Riddick, a former NFL player and executive, has been high on Daniels for some time and had his opinion on Daniels solidified by his showing this week at LSU’s Pro Day. Riddick made it clear where he stands on Daniels during Thursday’s edition of Get Up.
“I said a couple of weeks ago that I thought this guy should be QB No. 1, but I just wanted to see him in person,” Riddick said. “After looking at him in person, there’s no doubt in my mind. That’s not to be disrespectful or disparaging toward Caleb Williams, but I think Jayden Daniels is QB1 for sure.”
Daniels worked his way up draft boards behind a strong senior season with the Tigers.
He threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, alongside rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 more scores on his way to winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy as the nation’s most outstanding player.
That production vaulted Daniels into the conversation among the top quarterbacks in the draft class.
Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings has Daniels ranked third among the draft’s quarterbacks behind Williams and Drake Maye, and ranked 25th overall among all of the prospects. His impressive abilities as both a runner and dynamic passer make him an intriguing option for QB-needy teams to consider.
Riddick is certainly sold on Daniels’ physical tools alongside his leadership ability.
“As far as his movement, the way he threw the football, short, intermediate, deep, he is as fluid as any quarterback you’ve seen come out,” Riddick said. “He reminded me yesterday in terms of his demeanor, the way he took over that workout, like C.J. Stroud looked last year when I went to his pro day in Columbus.
“The ball absolutely explodes off of his hand.”
However, Daniels appears unlikely to be selected No. 1 overall, with the Chicago Bears appear set to select Williams, who many have as the consensus top QB prospect in the class.
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Evaluations of the other quarterbacks have certainly differed, though, which could make Daniels a prime prospect to be selected with a high pick.
Time will tell where Daniels ultimately ends up. But it’s clear that Riddick is among those who believes he could end up being the best quarterback to come out of this draft class.
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