Jayden Daniels | LSU 6’4” 210 lbs. 12/18/2000 (Age 23)
Jayden Daniels was drafted 2nd overall by the Washington Commanders, becoming the 2nd quarterback and 2nd overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Completion Percentage | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rushing
Yards |
Rushing
TDs |
| 2019 (FR) | 12 | 60.7% | 2,943 | 17 | 2 | 355 | 3 |
| 2020 (SO) | 4 | 58.3% | 701 | 5 | 1 | 223 | 4 |
| 2021 (JR) | 13 | 65.4% | 2,381 | 10 | 10 | 710 | 6 |
| 2022 (SR) | 14 | 68.6% | 2,913 | 17 | 3 | 885 | 11 |
| 2023 (SR) | 12 | 72.2% | 3,812 | 40 | 4 | 1,134 | 10 |
Daniels committed to Arizona State as a four-star recruit from California. During his three seasons with the Sun Devils, Daniels completed 62.4 percent of passes, producing 6,025 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. On top of that, Daniels ran for 1,288 yards and 13 touchdowns.
When he transferred to LSU before the 2022 season, he turned a lot of heads, as he polished his game and looked more like a pro-ready signal-caller. During his 2022 season, Daniels ranked ninth in the FBS in completion percentage (68.6 percent). He also threw for 2,913 yards, 17 touchdowns, and three interceptions. His rushing numbers went up as well, as he produced 885 yards on the ground to go along with 11 rushing touchdowns. During his Heisman-winning season in 2023, he improved nearly every statistical number from the year prior. Daniels completed 72.2 percent of his passes (seventh in the FBS). He ranked fifth in the nation with 3,812 passing yards and second in passing touchdowns with 40 (only threw four interceptions).
Daniels also broke the LSU school record for a quarterback with 1,134 rushing yards along with 10 rushing touchdowns. He became the only player in FBS history to throw for 12,000 yards in a career and rush for 3,000 yards total as well. Not only did he win the Heisman Trophy, Daniels also earned the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Davey O’Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, First-team Associated Press All-American, and SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
FILM
STRENGTHS
One of the most productive quarterbacks we have ever seen at the quarterback position. Intelligent and a great leader. Overall shows precision and accuracy at a consistent rate. Great recognition pre-snap and counters blitz packages like a pro. When he does stay in the pocket, Daniels does a great job going through his reads and progressions. Tremendous accuracy while throwing on the run. Unbelievable decision-maker, as he did a great job reducing his turnovers to a minimum. Showcased consistent drops to go along with smooth footwork. Willing to step up in the pocket and deliver the accurate pass when facing a ton of pressure. Exhibits elite escability and speed for his position, and his rushing numbers were jaw-dropping. Great elusiveness and makes a ton of defenders miss in the open field during his rushes. Should excel as a dual-threat quarterback at the pro level.
WEAKNESSES
Small frame and is underweight for his position. Doesn’t have elite arm strength, as he lacks zip and throwing mechanics when he drives his leg before a deep pass. Leaves a good amount of fade routes short. Inconsistent throwing motion and struggles to throw accurate passes toward the sideline. Impatient in the pocket, as he often relies on his legs to make plays instead of waiting for the play to develop. Doesn’t keep his eyes up enough when he does roll out of the pocket, as he too often doesn’t see open receivers down the field when he takes off with his legs.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Daniels did not participate in the NFL Combine. Although he threw passes at his LSU Pro Day, he neglected to partake in athletic testing drills there as well. He showcases elite speed for his position, as he ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash (97th percentile) unofficially during his high school combine. Daniels finished his collegiate career with an 82.3 QBR (81st percentile) and broke out at a young age (18.7 years old, 95th percentile). He has great height at 6’4” but his biggest red flag is his weight, as his 210 lbs lands him in the 15th percentile at his position.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
Daniels was selected with the 2nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.
The Commanders bring in a dynamic dual-threat gun-slinger who will rely on Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson on the outside as his two top pass-catchers. He also has a couple of decent running backs lined up in the backfield, Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson. He should have enough weapons to make a great fantasy impact right away.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
I have Daniels as my second-best quarterback in this draft class behind Caleb Williams. He has a high upside right away, as he can score a ton of fantasy points with both his arm and legs.
In Superflex leagues, he should go second overall behind Williams in your rookie drafts. In other leagues, he should easily be a top-5 pick. With his superb abilities as a runner, don’t be surprised if he outproduces Williams at times. He’s not a sure QB1 right away, but his upside should have you excited to bring him in for your dynasty team.
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