Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Size:
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 200 lbs
Accomplishments: Heisman Trophy winner (2023) • First-Team All-American (2023) • Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Winner (2023) • AP Player of the Year (2023) • First-Team All-SEC (2023)
“Jayden Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback who uses his running ability to set up elements of the passing game.”
Strengths:
Athleticism/mobility
Accurate throwing on the run
Elusive runner/game-changing runner in the open field
Leadership qualities
Concerns:
Passing concepts that work the middle of the field
Consistently operating from within pocket
Film Analysis:
Jayden Daniels fits the original thought of a dual-threat quarterback whose running ability sets up opportunities for him to throw the football.
As a passer, Daniels appears to be most comfortable on the move, where the play moves the launch point. On these designed play calls, Daniels shows off his natural athleticism by being able to easily get out of the pocket and find the open receiver in half-field read concepts. When Daniels feels that a receiver isn't open, he will take the option to tuck the football and pick up significant yardage with his legs—whether that is escaping through the middle of the pocket or escaping on the perimeter. In the pocket, Daniels looks most comfortable when he has one or two reads in a play, showing that he has the arm strength to hit opposite hash comebacks and quick curl/hitch routes to receivers.
In 2023, the element of Daniels’ game that advanced the most was his deep ball accuracy. Throughout the entire season, he showed to be able to consistently hit receivers in stride 30-40 yards down the field, making LSU’s offense one of the most explosive in college football.
On QB-run-designed plays, Daniels is dominant. Daniels can control the tempo of the game with his legs on QB power, QB counter, and QB draw plays. As a runner in the open field, Daniels is elusive and can make defenders miss in one-on-one situations. If left unaccounted for, Daniels has the speed to create a 50-plus-yard gain with his legs. Daniels’ slight frame and natural athleticism make it difficult for defenders to tackle him and he appears to always pick up extra yardage after contact.
The element of Daniels’ game that needs development is his ability to operate from the pocket and make throws to all levels of the field. Daniels appears to operate best on plays where the reads and progressions are quick and clearly shown. When he has to stand in the pocket, go through all his progressions, and deliver an accurate football, Daniels is inconsistent in his execution and looks uncomfortable.
Overall, Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback who can use his legs both to run and to set up passing the ball while working in elements of RPO and quick game and taking deep shots. Daniels has room to improve as a passer working the middle of the field, but there is optimism that he can continue to develop as a passer like he did from the 2022 season to 2023.
Prospect Projection: Day 1 — Pro Bowl Caliber
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Florida State (2023), Mississippi State (2023), Missouri (2023), Alabama (2023), Florida (2023), Alabama (2022), Tennessee (2022), Florida (2022), Ole Miss (2022)
