Expert Analysis
11/16/23
3 min read
2024 NFL Draft: LSU's Jayden Daniels Joins Top-3 QB Conversation
The 2024 NFL Draft class is shaping up to be a strong one for quarterbacks.
This past April, there were 14 quarterbacks picked, including 12 in the first five rounds. Those were the most taken in the first five rounds since 1967.
The coming draft has the potential to have even more selected. There could be as many as 18 picked if all of the quarterbacks with eligibility remaining decided to enter the draft.
18 Draftable QBs in 2024
- Top 2: Drake Maye, North Carolina; Caleb Williams, USC
- No Eligibility Remaining (7): Jayden Daniels, LSU; Sam Hartman, Notre Dame; Joe Milton, Tennessee; Bo Nix, Oregon; Michael Penix Jr., Washington; Spencer Rattler, South Carolina; Jordan Travis, Florida State
- Eligibility Remaining (9): Carson Beck, Georgia; Quinn Ewers, Texas; Riley Leonard, Duke; J.J. McCarthy, Michigan; Michael Pratt, Tulane; Shedeur Sanders, Colorado; D.J. Uiagalelei, Oregon State; Tyler Van Dyke, Miami (Fla.); Cam Ward, Washington State
Who Is No. 3 Behind Williams, Maye?
It’s very clear USC's Caleb Williams and UNC's Drake Maye are the top two quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class. What isn’t clear is who will be the third quarterback off the board.
At this point in the process, based only on tape, there are three players I believe will vie for that third spot. They are LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.
There are strong arguments to be made for all three quarterbacks, but I would give the nod to Daniels. He has made the biggest jump in his play from last season to this season of any quarterback in this draft class.
Breaking Down Jayden Daniels
2023 Tapes Viewed: Florida State, Alabama and Florida
Daniels’ arm talent is obvious. He has a long, linear frame and is an excellent athlete for the position. He demonstrates good poise and patience in the pocket.
Daniels throws right-handed and possesses a smooth, fluid release. He has the arm strength and accuracy to make all the throws he will need in the NFL.
Comparing his tape from 2022 with this season, Daniels has made tremendous strides in working through his progressions. He makes smart decisions and takes care of the football.
There are still areas Daniels needs to work on. At times, he will predetermine his throws. He also will force throws into coverage downfield because he is looking for big plays when he has receivers open underneath. And Daniels also needs to improve his accuracy in the red zone.
Daniels Has Incredible Athletic Ability
Daniels’ speed and athletic ability to make plays with his legs might be the best in this draft class. He consistently outruns defenders in the SEC — he rushed for more than 220 yards against Florida.
When the pressure rises, Daniels seems to raise his level of play at critical junctures in games. He was excellent running the two-minute offense just before halftime against Alabama.
When the bright lights come on, Daniels thrives. Several traits in his game are reminiscent of Lamar Jackson when he came out of Louisville.
As of November 16, there are 161 days until the 2024 NFL Draft, and plenty can change between now and then. You can be assured there will be a lot of discussion around Daniels as the third quarterback to get drafted after Williams and Maye.
