LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is coming off of a Heisman Trophy-winning season. The dual-threat quarterback lit up the college football world. However, winning college football’s highest honor does not always translate to NFL success. Still, his ability to make plays with his legs will make him valuable for a team. What can we expect from Jayden Daniels in the NFL?
NFL Draft Profile: LSU QB Jayden Daniels
College Career Summary
Jayden Daniels began his career at Arizona State. It was a mixed bag of results, and he left after the NCAA investigated the program for recruiting violations. He made his way to LSU, where he saw much of his success.
2019
Jayden Daniels showed his promise during his freshman season. In 12 games, he threw for 2,943 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. The team went 8-5 under head coach Herm Edwards.
2020
The Covid-19 pandemic screwed up a lot of college football games. Arizona State only played four games in 2020, going 2-2. Daniels started all four and went 49-84 for 701 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception.
2021
Jayden Daniels had his worst season in 2021. He played in all 13 games, and while he threw for almost 3,000 yards, he had ten touchdowns and ten interceptions. This was the first year he showed off more of his dual-threat nature, running for 710 yards and six touchdowns. After the season, he decided to move to another program amid the NCAA investigation.
2022
Daniels had a bounce-back season in 2022. His interceptions were down (3), and head coach Brian Kelly continued to develop his dual-threat abilities. He rushed for a career-high 885 yards and 11 touchdowns. Daniels added 17 touchdowns through the air. This was just a primer for what was to come in 2023.
2023
The Heisman Trophy-winning season was something special. He threw for 3,812 yards and had 40 touchdowns against four interceptions. On the ground, he crossed the 1,000-yard mark, gaining 1.134 yards and rushing for ten touchdowns. He was a human highlight reel, and while LSU struggled against top teams, Daniels’s season was something special.
Jayden Daniels’ Strengths
- Exceptional size and athletic ability
- Quick release; can hit throw all over the field
- Outstanding runner, especially in the open field
Jayden Daniels’ Weaknesses
- Sometimes struggles from the pocket
- Looks to run too quickly instead of going through progressions
NFL Player Comparisons
Rookie Outlook
Jayden Daniels is slated to be in the mix for a starting position on whatever team drafts him. His dual-threat nature is what makes him so valuable. In today’s NFL, having a threat to run is essential. Even if it isn’t the best asset a player has, the ability to make a man miss outside the pocket is needed. Look at Patrick Mahomes. Running isn’t his thing, but he can pick up the yards when he needs to.
Daniels will be a problem for defenses. His running ability has to be respected. While the NFL has much faster and smarter players, Daniels is too big and too athletic not to have value. He should help a young team create some exciting plays and give fans something to cheer for, even if the season doesn’t end with many wins.
Fantasy Outlook
If you are in a dynasty league, take Jayden Daniels very highly. If we have learned anything in the past few years, it is that a running quarterback is a cheat code in fantasy football. Two seasons ago, Justin Fields was a top-five fantasy quarterback despite leading his team to the worst record in the league. Why? He rushed for over 1,100 yards while also being able to get points from the passing game.
Daniels could never develop into a winning quarterback. His team could struggle mightily. It doesn’t matter in fantasy football. The potential is there. If you are looking to draft him in a single-year league, make sure he is in line to get the starting position, but otherwise, draft with confidence.
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Matt has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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