Jalon Daniels QB Kansas | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Jalon Daniels QB Kansas
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 12/13/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.58 seconds (92%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | |
Last Updated: 12/13/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2026 | |
40 time: 4.58 seconds (92%*) | |
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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Overall Rating: | 81.7 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
Defense Rating: |
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72% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
Release Speed: |
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75% |
Short Passing: |
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71% |
Medium Passing: |
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69% |
Long Passing: |
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91% |
Rush/Scramble: |
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74% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
4th
Overall Rank:
#109
Position rank:
#13
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College Games: 36 College Snaps: 1977 | ||
College Combine Results
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Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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Michael Pratt - Tulane |
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77% |
Jaren Hall - BYU |
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77% |
Jordan Travis - Florida State |
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74% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Jalon Daniels hails from Lawndale, California, where he played under head coach Travis Clark at Lawndale High School. Rated a three-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports, Daniels showcased his dual-threat abilities early on. As a junior, he completed 136-of-237 passes for 2,351 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 940 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading his team to a 14-2 record in 2018.
At Kansas, Daniels quickly made an impact. Despite an 0-9 start in his freshman year, he flashed potential with his playmaking ability. Under new head coach Lance Leipold, Daniels secured the starting QB role and had a breakout 2022 season, leading the Jayhawks to their first bowl game since 2008. He threw for 2,014 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions while adding 425 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns.
His junior year in 2023 was hampered by injuries, but Daniels still impressed in limited action, completing nearly 75% of his passes for 705 yards, 5 touchdowns, and just one interception. Known for his resilience and leadership, Daniels chose to stay at Kansas for his senior year, aiming to prove himself as a top-level prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Excellent athleticism with quickness and agility to evade pressure.
- Strong enough arm to make difficult throws across the field.
- Impressive off-script playmaking ability with quick directional changes.
- Shows good touch and placement on short to intermediate throws.
- Fast, compact release enabling tight intermediate passes.
- Prudent decision-maker, minimizing risky throws.
- Flexible arm mechanics allowing for effective throws from multiple angles.
- Good at reading leverage and making quick decisions.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Sometimes holds the ball too long, leading to sacks.
- Inconsistent deep ball velocity, leading to underthrown passes.
- Tendency to drift in the pocket, affecting read progression.
- Occasional lower body mechanics issues, impacting throw power.
- Durability concerns with a history of shoulder and back injuries.
Scouting Report: Summary
Jalon Daniels displays a dynamic dual-threat skill set that's enticing for NFL scouts. His athleticism allows him to extend plays and create opportunities on the move, while his quick release and decision-making are crucial in a fast-paced game. However, his inconsistency with deep ball accuracy and durability issues remain red flags that could impact his draft stock.
Despite these concerns, Daniels' ability to read defenses pre-snap and execute efficiently in short to intermediate throws really helps his case. His knack for making smart decisions under pressure and minimizing turnovers is a trait NFL teams covet in a backup quarterback. His mobility adds an extra dimension to his game, providing an edge in today’s NFL schemes that favor versatile QBs.
Projected as a Day 3 pick, Daniels has the potential to carve out a role as a reliable backup or even a spot starter. His development will hinge on staying healthy and refining his mechanics, particularly with deep throws. If he can polish these areas, Daniels could outperform his draft position and become a solid contributor.
Written By:
Eli Cooper (Big 12)
How other scouting services rate Jalon Daniels (Overall Rank)
*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.