For the first time in the pre-draft process, Heisman-winning LSU quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] threw in front of NFL scouts at the Tigers’ pro day on Wednesday.
Daniels is projected as a top-five pick in the draft with some mocks showing him going as high as second overall to the quarterback-needy Washington Commanders. Only time will tell if that’s Daniels’ ultimate landing spot, but it’s possible coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] may have tipped his hand a bit when interviewed at the pro day.
“He is going to be so committed to taking care of himself that you’re not going to have to worry about size or he doesn’t way enough,” Kelly said of Daniels. “Lamar (Jackson’s) done a pretty good job with his size, I think (Patrick) Mahomes, I wouldn’t consider him a giant. Because he’s going to get the ball out to the playmakers and make plays for Washington.”
LSU coach Brian Kelly on Jayden Daniels.
“For Washington.” #Commanders #HTTC pic.twitter.com/aQxgVlO72F
— COMMANDERS NATION (@CommandersFB1) March 28, 2024
For Washington, hmm?
Let’s just be clear right now: It’s highly unlikely, even if the Commanders had already decided on taking Daniels, that Kelly would have that insight. He likely could have just been making a statement about where he views Daniels relative to other quarterbacks in the mix to go second like Drake Maye and JJ McCarthy.
Still, Kelly’s comments had an impact, at least when it comes to the betting markets. Daniels’ odds of going second overall surged ahead of Maye and McCarthy following the interview, per FanDuel.
Once again, Kelly likely doesn’t have any insight into the Commanders’ draft plans. But Daniels does indeed land with Washington, it will beg the question: What did Kelly know?
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