You’d be hard-pressed to find a pair of players who raised their draft stocks more this season than [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag].
While the latter entered the year seeing at least some first-round hype, the former wasn’t even projected as a draftable prospect by some. But after leading the most productive offense in the country, both are essentially first-round locks and could even find themselves going in the top five.
That’s what ESPN’s latest mock draft from Jordan Reid projects. He has Daniels going third overall to the New England Patriots as quarterbacks are taken with the first three picks.
Stale and lacking talent. That’s the only way to sum up the current state of the Patriots’ roster. The QB carousel of Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones left more questions than answers, and New England has to find some form of excitement on offense. Daniels is an electrifying talent who brings downfield passing ability and rushing mobility. His improvement during his senior season was remarkable, as he finished first in the FBS in Total QBR (95.6), touchdown passes from the pocket (35) and passing yards per attempt (11.7). His 40 passing TDs ranked second, and his 10 rushing scores tied for ninth among QBs.
Reid doesn’t have Nabers waiting much longer. He predicts that the nation’s second-leading receiver will go to the Chargers with the fifth pick, where he will provide some much-needed assistance for Justin Herbert.
The Chargers are definitely a team that could look to trade back and stock up on picks to fill roster holes with younger talent. But if they stick at No. 5, they should go with a wide receiver for the second consecutive year (Quentin Johnston in 2023). Nabers is an explosive target who would be an immediate upgrade for the team’s offense. He’s a natural tackle-breaker, finishing sixth in the FBS in forced missed tackles on catches (27). Nabers also led the FBS in receiving yards per game (120.7). He is a big play waiting to happen and the exact type of receiver Los Angeles needs, especially with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams getting older and struggling to stay on the field.
Those aren’t the only two Tigers who could be first-rounders. Though draft analysts aren’t as high on [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag], he is still seen as a late Day 1 prospect. In Reid’s mock, he joins the high-octane Kansas City Chiefs offense.
Outside of Rashee Rice, the Chiefs’ pass-catchers have had a disappointing season, from a league-leading 38 drops to an ineffective downfield passing attack. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Thomas is a fluid mover, getting in and out of his breaks with ease and showcasing the speed to race past defenders. His 17 touchdown catches led the FBS this season, and 10 came on vertical routes. But Thomas can also use his frame in contested situations to make tough catches, which would make him a favorite of quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
If Reid’s prediction ultimately comes to pass, it would be the first time the Tigers have had three offensive players taken in the first round since 2020.
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