Jayden Daniels appeared to be this trait-based developmental project at QB coming into this evaluation. However, he turns out to be a relatively refined QB. While his arm may not be a cannon, it’s plenty enough to push the ball downfield, and his elite mobility gives him star potential. He started as a Freshman at ASU and has played in all five seasons throughout his career. Some might not view him as a true first-rounder because he’s a fifth-year starter. It might’ve taken him a while to get to where he is now, but like someone like Jalen Hurts, the incremental improvement is there. Similar to his teammate, Malik Nabers, he’s one of the most fun prospects this year. You’ll see why that is as we break down his strengths and weaknesses in this article.
Five all-22 games and his highlights were evaluated, and clips from his film are broken down here. All relevant traits were graded based on his film. His scouting report also factored in stats and analytics, such as PFF grades. Use promo code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Please gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.
| Profile |
|---|
| 4th QB / 1st RD | 6’4 / 210 | RS-SR | LSU |
| Pro Comp |
|---|
| Jalen Hurts (Taller) |
| Scheme |
|---|
| Play-Action/ Spread |
QB Stats
| 2023 | |
|---|---|
| COM%: 71.1 YPA: 11.5 Pass YDS: 4,091 Pass TDS: 40 | INT: 4 Rush YDS: 1,250 Rush TDS: 10 FUM: 3 |
| 2022 | |
|---|---|
| COM%: 68.2 YPA: 7.5 Pass YDS: 2,913 Pass TDS: 17 | INT: 3 Rush YDS: 1,079 Rush TDS: 11 FUM: 4 |
Film Analysis
Jayden Daniels shows his ability to push the ball downfield in the clip above. He reads the Safety, identifies the one-on-one coverage and throws a beautiful ball.
If you read my “Malik Nabers Prospect Deep Dive,” you’ll recognize this clip. The defense is in cover four, and Daniels has the field vision to see the coverage bust. The timing and accuracy of this throw is perfect.
If you’re wondering why Daniels has star potential, just watch this clip. You don’t see QBs outrun SEC DBs like that very often. His upside in the designed run game is elite.
The defense is in cover six here, and once again, Daniels makes a big-time throw. The Free Safety gets poor depth, and Daniels takes advantage of it. Those are the kinds of throws that will translate to the NFL.
Grades
OVR Grade: 1-100
| Individual trait scale (1-7): |
|---|
| 7 – Rare world-class skill; best in the league and no room for improvement | 6 – Great-elite skill; one of the best at that given trait but still has some room to improve | 5 – Very good; above average and has potential to be elite | 4 – Average; able to suffice but, not ideal long-term | 3 – Below average; able to suffice at college level | 2 – Poor; hinders overall play and is a liability to the team | 1 – Awful; not good enough to play given position at any level above D2 | Note: Consistency plays a large factor. |
| Overall Draft grade scale (1-100, realistically: 57-87): |
|---|
| 86 – Perfect prospect | 82 – Bluechip prospect | 80 – Likely all-pro | 79 – Day one quality starter or superstar potential | 78 – Day one starter w/ all-pro upside | 77 – Day one starter w/ high-end upside | 76 – Day One Starter | 75 – Boom or bust | 74 – Will become quality starter within 2-3 years | 73 – Boom or bust (high risk) | 72 – Will become starter within 2-3 years | 71 – Day-one backup with starter upside |
SPD – Speed
ACC – Acceleration
AGI – Agility
STR – Strength
ARM – Arm Strength
REL – Release
TWM – Throwing While Moving
TUP – Throwing Under Pressure
SAC – Short Accuracy
MAC – Intermediate Accuracy
DAC – Deep Accuracy
PRC – Processor
DEC – Decision-Making
PA – Play Action
SPR – Sense Pressure
ELU – Elusiveness/ Contact Balance
SEC – Ball Security
Traits/ Skills
(Grades are subject to change until draft day.)
| Traits | Immediate | Potential |
| SPD | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| ACC | 6 | 6 |
| AGI | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| STR | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| ARM | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| REL | 6 | 6.6 |
| TWM | 5.4 | 6.2 |
| TUP | 4.2 | 5.4 |
| SAC | 5.1 | 6 |
| MAC | 5 | 6 |
| DAC | 5.4 | 6.5 |
| PRC | 3.7 | 5.2 |
| DEC | 4.2 | 5.7 |
| PA | 5.1 | 6.1 |
| SPR | 4 | 5 |
| ELU | 5.9 | 6.2 |
| SEC | 4.3 | 5.5 |
Jayden Daniels’ Pros and Cons
- Jayden Daniels is a unique rushing-style quarterback with natural traits as a passer. While he may be pro-ready, it will require a particular style of offense to tap into his traits.
Pros
- Jalen Hurts-esque running ability – excellent contact balance and elusiveness.
- Loves to attack downfield and has superb accuracy and touch on deep balls.
- Consistently displayed NFL-caliber decision-making – under two percent turnover-worthy play rate throughout his entire career.
- Top-end speed is capable of outrunning defenses.
- Quick and fluid release.
- Elite explosiveness and change of direction allow him to have stellar play-extension ability.
- Showed he could look off Safeties and doesn’t get stuck on the first read too often.
- Flashed moments of creativity and poise in the pocket; we just don’t see it enough.
- Toughness and work ethic are there – PFF grade improved every single year in college.
- In a league where experience matters at QB, Daniels has a ton of it.
Cons
- In addition to having a slender frame, his inability to prevent hits will cost him playing time in the pros.
- Mediocre processor and pocket presence for being a fifth-year starter.
- Just average velocity on throws outside the numbers.
- Turns down open Receivers to scramble more than you’d like.
- Inconsistent throwing mechanics, though they’ve improved in 2023.
Combine – TBD
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Pro Day – TBD
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All-22 Exposures
- Florida, 2022
- Alabama, 2022
- Alabama, 2023
- Florida, 2023
- Florida State, 2023
Final conclusion on Jayden Daniels
There’s a lot to love about Jayden Daniels’s film, as he’s an exceptional athlete with pro-ready traits as a passer. He’ll have to improve upon his inconsistencies, but with his development track, that could easily happen. He may not light up the league from day one, but he can start immediately. Pair that fact with his outstanding upside, and I see why there are talks about him going into the top ten. His play style and slender frame could lead to injury problems at the next level. If properly coached, however, he can likely stay healthy and have an impressive, long career.
Many NFL play-callers love to involve their quarterback in the running game. That makes Daniels the ideal fit for those styles of teams. While I’m worried about the processor and inconsistent pocket presence, his ability to run the ball will compensate for his weaknesses as a passer. If he’s paired with the right offense, watch out for this guy, who seems as determined as anyone. Like Jalen Hurts, there will be some bumps in the road, but it just may pay off big-time.
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