Jayden Daniels has catapulted into one of the top QB prospects of the 2024 NFL Draft class.
It’s no secret the Washington Commanders are coming away from the 2024 NFL draft with a quarterback and they currently own the No. 2 overall pick.
With Caleb Williams likely to go No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears, the Commanders will likely decide between Drake Maye (North Carolina) and Jayden Daniels (LSU). While there has been talk of J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) in the mix there, too, it’s unlikely.
There have been varying reports on if Washington prefers Daniels or Maye — and there’s also a chance they trade back for another QB they like to stack up on capital — but it’s all a guessing game at this point.
If Washington does in fact take Maye, the New England Patriots — who also need a quarterback — would be sitting there primed in a position to select Daniels.
The NFL combine is often where many offseason rumors begin. Some of that is by design; other times, teams can’t hide how much they like a specific player.
There’s a belief most teams have Maye as their No. 2 prospect, but according to a report from NBC Sports, there are two teams that prefer Daniels.
“I’ve only found two teams that have Jayden Daniels over Drake Maye, said Connor Rogers of NBC Sports in a recent episode of the “NFL Stock Exchange” podcast with Trevor Sikkema. “One of them is way too far out for it to matter. Another one is in striking distance, but once again, I’m not convinced it’s going to be very easy to get into that range of the draft.”
As of now some may view this as an insight into Washington’s plan with the No. 2 overall pick and many would assume the Commanders will go with Maye, but nothing will be solidified until April rolls around and the NFL Draft actually plays out.
Until then, everything is speculation. But an interesting new report from NBC Boston has reported there is one team in the mix for Daniels the former LSU QB’s camp would prefer him not to play for.
Report Says Jayden Daniels Camp Doesn’t Want Him Drafted By New England Patriots
A report from NBC Boston shined an interesting light into the debate between Daniels and Maye.
Jayden Daniels is considered a much more laid-back personality compared to Maye. How does the San Bernardino, Calif., kid get players to play for him, then? By making plays.
Ultimately Washington has to make the decision which QB they prefer and the New England Patriots will likely take the one they don’t. That’s the assumption as of now, of course.
Daniels racked up a whopping 90 plays of 20 yards or more last season for the Tigers, with his reserved-but-determined manner winning over players and coaches alike in his second season in Baton Rouge.
For a team in transition, a special talent could be what sparks a more rapid rebuild, and Daniels is considered that kind of quarterback. Multiple evaluators this week told NBC Sports Boston that Daniels was a more polished passer than Lamar Jackson when Jackson was drafted out of Louisville in 2018.
There are questions among NFL coaches as to how Jayden Daniels — who is from California and played at Arizona State and LSU — would adapt to the playing conditions if drafted by the New England Patriots. There’s an understanding there are those in his camp who prefer Daniels doesn’t end up in the Northeast.
But the choice isn’t his, and if he’s available with the third overall pick? He could find himself driving down Route 1 with the heat on full blast in about eight months.