Categories: NFL DraftPopular

QB Jayden Daniels Prospect Deep Dive: Is He The Next Best Rushing Threat At QB?

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.)

TraitsImmediatePotential
SPD6.46.4
ACC66
AGI5.85.8
STR5.25.4
ARM5.45.4
REL66.6
TWM5.46.2
TUP4.25.4
SAC5.16
MAC56
DAC5.46.5
PRC3.75.2
DEC4.25.7
PA5.16.1
SPR45
ELU5.96.2
SEC4.35.5

Jayden Daniels’ Pros and Cons

Jayden Daniels Bio

  • 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

40 yd:

Ten yd:

Shuttle:

Three cone:

Broad Jump:

Vertical:

Bench:

Arm length:

Hand Size:

Pro Day – TBD

40 yd:

Ten yd:

Shuttle:

Three cone:

Broad Jump:

Vertical:

Bench:

Arm length:

Hand Size:


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.

Trey Schneider

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