Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels  QB  LSU | NFL Draft 2024 Souting Report - Portrait Image
Jayden Daniels
Height
6-4
Weight
210
College
LSU
Position
QB
Class
Senior
Home town
San Bernardino, CA
90.9/100
Player Rating
2
PositionRank (QB)
4.5
FortyYD Time
QB Rating
146.5
YDS
3812
Comp %
72.2
TDS
40
INTs
4
Rush AVG
8.4
Jayden Daniels Prospect Overview
Sep 3, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to pass the ball during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Jayden Daniels QB LSU | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Jayden Daniels QB LSU
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

PLAY STYLE: Dual Threat QB
Last Updated: 04/05/2024
Draft Year: 2024
40 time: 4.50 seconds (97%*)
Age: 23.9 DOB: 12/18/2000
Measurables:
Height: 6-4 (73%*) Weight: 210 (15%*)
Hands: 9 3/8 (39%*) Arm: 31 5/8 (39%*) Span: 76 6/8 (61%*)
Forty: 4.50 (O) (97%*)
0% 100%
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other (HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
PLAY STYLE: Dual Threat QB
Last Updated: 04/05/2024
Draft Year: 2024
40 time: 4.50 seconds (97%*)
Age: 23.9 DOB: 12/18/2000
Measurables:
0% 100%
Height: 6-4 (73%*) Weight: 210 (15%*)
Hands: 9 3/8 (39%*) Arm: 31 5/8 (39%*)
Span: 76 6/8 (61%*)
Forty: 4.50 (O) (97%*)
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other
(HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
Overall Rating: 90.9 / 100
Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced
Defense Rating:
77%
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects.
Release Speed:
86%
Short Passing:
89%
Medium Passing:
96%
Long Passing:
100%
Rush/Scramble:
98%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 1st - Top 10
Overall Rank: #6 Position rank: #2
College Games: 54 College Snaps: 3382
Grade: 4 ESPN  Stars 4 ESPN  Stars ESPN RATING: 86/100
College Combine Results
Grade: 247 Sports 4  Stars 247 Sports 97 Stars 247 RATING: 97/100
Grade: 4 Stars 4 Stars RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
Player Comparison* (Similarity level)
Trey Lance - North Dakota State
69%
Justin Fields - Ohio State
64%
Mac Jones - Alabama
64%
Washington Commanders Drafted: ROUND: 1 - Pick Number: 2 (WSH)
Draft Profile: Bio
Jayden Daniels, hailing from Cajon High School in San Bernardino, California, earned a reputation as a formidable quarterback from the get-go. Born on December 18th, 2000, this 4-star recruit threw for an astonishing 14,000 yards and 170 touchdowns during his high school tenure, complemented by an impressive 3,645 yards on the ground. A participant in the Under Armour All-American game, Daniels made his collegiate commitment to Arizona State on December 13th, 2018. His freshman efforts were swiftly recognized as he clinched an Honorable Mention for the Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year in 2019.

Facing a disrupted 2020 due to global events, Daniels showcased adaptability in a shortened season, especially evident in his standout performance against USC where he rushed for a career-high 111 yards. He'd then garner attention as he was named to the Davey O'Brien Award Watch List. Despite the turbulence at Arizona State, he shone through, earning second-team preseason All-Pac-12 recognition and making it to multiple watchlists ahead of his junior season.

The progression in Daniels' college football journey saw him transfer from Arizona State to LSU in 2022. Here, he continued to expand on his earlier successes, consistently showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Throughout his collegiate career, Daniels' stats underscore his proficiency both as a passer and a runner, affirming his potential for the professional arena.

2023 has been nothing short of spectacular Daniels has put up a record season, leading the nation in total offense (412.2), touchdown passes (40), TDs responsible for (50), and rushing yards by a quarterback (1,134). His NFL pass rating of 146.5 through 12 games is the best in FBS history. He won the SEC Offensive Player of the Week five times and Daniels is one of only two players in SEC history to pass for 3,500 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season, (Johnny Manziel).

Won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award is presented annually to the nation’s top quarterback who best exemplifies character, scholastic and athletic achievement. He still is in the running for the Heisman.
Honors & awards
  • 2023 Davey O'Brien Award
  • 2023 Heisman Memorial Trophy
  • 2023 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
  • 2023 Walter Camp Award
Scouting Report: Strengths
  • Put up an utterley ridiculous 2023 season - where he led in pretty much every noteworthy statistical category
  • Exceptional athletic ability with reported 4.5 40-yard dash speed. Displays natural speed and gains significant yardage as a runner with his 6’3” frame.
  • Exhibits high proficiency in pocket maneuvering, evading pressure effortlessly, and leveraging vision to find escape lanes for ground gains.
  • Impressive arm strength allowing him to target all three levels of the field with ease. Demonstrates quick release, especially on short and intermediate throws.
  • Expertise in throwing on the run, maintaining focus on downfield targets, and delivering accurate throws even across his body.
  • Sound decision-making ability, distinguishing between moments to be aggressive and those to opt for check-downs. Experienced in full-field and half-field reads.
  • Consistent drops, smooth footwork, and a compact throwing motion. Capable of stepping into pressure for accurate throws during collapsing plays.
  • Outstanding running ability, particularly on QB-run-designed plays. Controls game tempo with QB power, counter, and draw plays. Elusive in the open field.
  • Brings leadership qualities as a seasoned starter, presenting no athletic limitations and fitting the dual-threat QB profile perfectly, using his running prowess to set up passing opportunities.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
  • Has struggled to consistently operate from the pocket, particularly with throws across all field levels. Displays discomfort and inconsistency when required to make extended progressions.
  • Inconsistent throwing motion which hampers accuracy, timing, and power. Lacks proper lower body engagement, resulting in reduced throw power and accuracy, especially on sideline passes.
  • Faces issues connecting his throwing motion with his legs, leading to inconsistent ball placement and capped arm strength.
Scouting Report: Summary
Jayden Daniels' 2023 season is a case study in the traits NFL scouts salivate over in a dual-threat quarterback. His mobility and arm are tailor-made for modern offenses, particularly in RPO (Run-Pass Option) and quick-pass scenarios. His standout performance against Florida, where he became the first player in FBS history to pass for 350 yards and rush for 200 in a single game, wasn't just record-setting; it was a showcase of his high-ceiling potential.

Daniels' inclusion in the elite SEC club of players with 50 touchdowns in a season aligns him with past Heisman winners, underscoring his statistical prowess and big-play ability. His eight-touchdown explosion against Georgia State isn't just a stat line; it's a testament to his capacity to dominate games single-handedly.

In evaluating Daniels, what impresses is his game management and decision-making. He has the acumen of a seasoned pro, balancing assertiveness with judicious caution. His ability to consistently generate big plays, as evidenced by his multiple four-touchdown games and frequent 400-yard total offense outings, marks him as a playmaker who can change the complexion of a game.

The LSU offense's dynamism under his command cannot be overstated. Leading the nation in both total and scoring offense, with Daniels at the helm, they are a balanced juggernaut, equally lethal in the air and on the ground. His synergy with top-tier talents like Nabers and Thomas makes the unit even more formidable.

However, in the NFL, raw talent and collegiate success must be coupled with adaptability and continuous refinement. The question for scouts isn't just about Daniels' impressive numbers; it's whether he can translate and elevate his game to thrive against the complexities and pressures of the NFL. His pocket presence, while effective in college, will be scrutinized for its adaptability to the pro game, where defensive schemes are more intricate and punishing.

Daniels' stock for the 2024 NFL Draft is undoubtedly on the rise. If he can demonstrate an ability to polish and adapt his skill set for the next level, we're looking at a potential early-round pick, with the capability to develop into a franchise quarterback in the right system.

Jayden Daniels percentiles vs other Quarterbacks (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)

Jayden Daniels Video Review

How other scouting services rate Jayden Daniels (Overall Rank)

All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
16.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
3.0
*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.