CJ Daniels WR LSU | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
CJ Daniels WR LSU
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Outside X-Receiver | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 12/04/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.44 seconds (73%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Outside X-Receiver | |
| Last Updated: 12/04/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2026 | |
| 40 time: 4.44 seconds (73%*) | |
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| Overall Rating: | 74.4 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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77% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 110.4 | |
| Hands: |
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84% |
| Short Receiving: |
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79% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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83% |
| Deep Threat: |
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84% |
| Blocking: |
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62% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
7th
Overall Rank:
#226
Position rank:
#24
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| College Games: 52 College Snaps: 2242 | ||
ESPN RATING: 70/100
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247 RATING: 79/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.4 (89%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Malik Knowles - Kansas State |
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93% |
| Antoine Green - North Carolina |
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86% |
| Erik Ezukanma - Texas Tech |
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80% |
Draft Profile: Bio
CJ Daniels emerged as a dynamic playmaker at Liberty, culminating in a breakout 2023 campaign with 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 6'1", 195-pound wideout played four seasons for the Flames before transferring to LSU for his final year of eligibility. Daniels' journey began at Parkview High School in Georgia, where he earned all-region honors and helped secure two regional titles.At Liberty, Daniels steadily improved his production, overcoming an injury-shortened 2022 season to become a second-team All-Conference USA selection in 2023. His explosive play-making ability was evident, averaging an impressive 19.4 yards per catch. Daniels showcased his big-play potential with five 100-yard games, including a career-high 157 yards against both Sam Houston State and New Mexico State in the Conference USA Championship Game.
Daniels capped his tenure at Liberty with a strong showing in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon, hauling in 8 receptions for 79 yards. His transfer to LSU for the 2024 season positioned him to fill the void left by NFL-bound receivers in a high-powered offense, though he faced stiff competition for playing time in spring practice.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Explosive playmaker with the ability to stretch the field vertically - put up a 19.4 yards per catch average in 2023
- Demonstrates reliable hands and body control, consistently making catches away from his frame to maximize his catch radius
- Possesses adequate size and length to win contested catch situations, particularly in the red zone
- Shows good burst off the line of scrimmage, allowing him to quickly eat up cushion against off coverage
- Displays natural feel for finding soft spots in zone coverage, making him a reliable target on intermediate routes
- Exhibits toughness and willingness to work the middle of the field, unafraid of contact when securing catches
- Versatile receiver capable of lining up both outside and in the slot, adding value to offensive packages
- Proven production against quality competition, including a strong performance in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks elite top-end speed, which may limit his ability to consistently separate from NFL-caliber cornerbacks on deep routes
- Route running could use refinement, particularly in his breaks and ability to create separation at the top of routes
- May struggle to consistently win against press coverage at the next level due to average play strength
- Limited experience against elite competition, having played primarily in Conference USA before his transfer to LSU
- Blocking technique and effort in the run game need improvement to become a more complete receiver at the NFL level
Scouting Report: Summary
Daniels profiles as a potential Day 3 selection with upside as a complementary receiver in an NFL offense. His ability to create big plays and find the end zone will intrigue teams looking to add explosiveness to their passing attack. Daniels fits best in a spread offense that can utilize his ability to stretch the field and work the intermediate areas.While he may not possess the elite traits of a number-one receiver, Daniels has the skill set to develop into a reliable second or third option. His experience in both outside and slot alignments adds versatility to his pro prospects. Daniels will need to continue refining his route running and improving his play strength to maximize his potential at the next level.
Teams employing vertical passing schemes will likely view Daniels as an intriguing developmental prospect.
Written By:
Wyatt Brooks (SEC)
How other scouting services rate CJ Daniels (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
213.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
35.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.