Just a few weeks ago, [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] was widely viewed as QB3 in the 2024 NFL draft.
However, there’s a growing sentiment that the former LSU quarterback and 2023 Heisman winner could be the second-best quarterback on the board, behind Caleb Williams.
Recent mock drafts, particularly from ESPN, have started to reflect that. Field Yates indeed has Daniels going second overall in his latest mock draft to the Washington Commanders, where he’ll join the new regime led by Dan Quinn.
Here’s what Yates had to say about Daniels’ fit with the organization, where he would replace 2023 starter Sam Howell next season.
Daniels did as much as one could possibly do during the 2023 season to boost his draft stock, as he skyrocketed up boards on the heels of 40 touchdown passes, 4 interceptions and 1,230 rushing yards (not including sacks) on his way to the Heisman Trophy. He’s the best dual-threat quarterback in this class and changes the math for a defense every time he steps on the field. In Washington, Daniels would have an exciting wide receiver unit and could help build stability under center for new coach Dan Quinn.
Meanwhile, Yates has [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] heading to the Giants with the sixth pick.
The Giants can land the most explosive player in the draft with Nabers, the former LSU star who plays at a warp speed that no defender can match. This would provide a huge boost to a Giants offense that had the second-fewest passing yards in the NFL last season and just 44 passing plays of 20-plus yards (better than just six other teams in the league).
Nabers is a massive play waiting to happen, with his vertical speed to stretch the field on deep shots and with his run-after-catch ability. He averaged 120.7 yards per game last season and caught 14 TDs. Daniel Jones needs that kind of production outside.
Nabers isn’t the only LSU receiver Yates has in his mock. He also projects that [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] will sneak into the first round to the Bills at pick 28.
No player scored more receiving touchdowns in 2023 than Thomas (17), and his deep speed and acceleration might be unparalleled in this class. The Bills have relied on Gabe Davis as a deep threat in recent seasons, but he is a free agent and has been an up-and-down contributor (nine games last season with two or fewer catches). Thomas would provide a vertical spark for Josh Allen and a Buffalo offense that did not produce a single play of 20-plus yards in its divisional round loss to Kansas City.
The trio of former LSU players will hope to hear their names called on draft night on April 25.
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