While the postseason could always change perception when it comes to the 2024 NFL draft, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper recently released his latest big board, and it features two LSU players in the top 10.
[autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] comes in at No. 4, ranking as the third-best quarterback behind Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, who rank first and third overall, respectively.
Kiper has become significantly higher on Daniels over the final month of the season, and he gives him a clear first-round grade entering the draft. He offered specific praise to his abilities as a dual-threat playmaker after finishing the season with more than 1,100 rushing yards.
I went deep on Daniels’ future ahead of him taking home the Heisman Trophy. In short, he was consistent enough over the final two months of the regular season that I now feel comfortable moving him into my Big Board. I have a first-round grade on him — he could be the third quarterback off the board. Over two seasons at LSU — after he transferred from Arizona State — Daniels threw 57 touchdown passes with just seven interceptions and added 21 rushing scores. He ranked No. 1 in the country in Total QBR this season (95.7), completing 72.2% of his passes while averaging 11.7 yards per attempt. Those are spectacular numbers.
Daniels has rare ability as a dual-threat playmaker. He can evade, elude and blow by defenders, but he also impressed with the way he can run through contact. But it’s his improvement as a passer that has him looking like a Round 1 selection. Yes, having blue chip wideouts Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. to throw to was a huge benefit, but they also were fortunate to have a passer like Daniels with a big-time skill set directing the offense.
Speaking of [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag], he comes in a few spots later at No. 7, ranking third among receivers behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze. He’s also fourth among pass-catchers, coming in behind tight end Brock Bowers, as well.
Still, Kiper is impressed by Nabers’ speed.
I love watching Nabers, whose best trait is his speed. He can take the top off the defense. He was consistent in 2022, showing elite separation skills and the ability to high-point receptions. He also was balanced, catching 35 passes when lined up in the slot and 37 when lined up out wide. That versatility will matter at the next level. He finished with 72 catches for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns.
Nabors blew away those numbers in 2023, catching 86 passes for 1,546 yards with 14 scores. He has good hands and showed toughness in taking a shot while hauling in a catch over the middle of the field. He tracks the ball exceptionally well. He gets easy separation on cornerbacks. I have been impressed with his run-after-the-catch ability. He lit up Mississippi State with 13 catches for 239 yards and two scores earlier this season.
Those were the only two Tigers in the top 25 overall, but [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] also cracked the receiver positional rankings at No. 6. Mekhi Wingo, who there is some hope may return to LSU, ranks No. 10 among defensive tackles.
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