Kansas QB Jalon Daniels-Grade Drops to Third Round

Kansas quarterback (QB) Jalon Daniels has a lot going for him, but things happened in this latest four-game study that dropped his 2024 NFL Draft grade heading into this coming college season.

For one, the Texas game happened.

From the word go the Longhorns dominated and despite a decent game statistically and the fact Daniels never gave up (like he never does), he (and the Jayhawks) were overwhelmed in that 55-14 meltdown.

The was also an increase in ball security issues. In these four games, opposing defenses disputed 11 more of his passes according to my chicken scratches.

I watched Daniels in 8/9 of his games in 2022 and that number landed at 20 total pass disruptions (2.5 avg.).

While Daniels has considerable upside, a grade adjustment must be made when the game film raises red flags. It’s the only way to mitigate the risk.

What are some of the positives?

Systematic QB

This Kansas signal-caller is a rhythm passer who does his best work in the short-to-intermediate route levels.

I like how aggressively he works downfield. His style of play reminds me of 49ers’ QB Brock Purdy, and when I evaluated Purdy at Iowa State.

Kansas ranked No. 9 in terms of third-down efficiency (teamrankings.com), and that reflects the style of offense Daniels leads. They systematically work down the field (No. 22 college football points per game).

Passer first and foremost

Yes, Daniels is a dual-role QB. Last season, he had 77 carries for 417 yards (5.4 avg), and added 7 TD’s to boot.

Not only that, he knows how to slide.

However, make no mistake, this Kansas signal-caller is a QB first and then a runner.

The television announcer against Houston said, “When he gets out in space he becomes as dangerous as anyone in the country.”

He’s a slippery runner capable of picking up nice chunks of yardage (1-20 yards).

Minimal sacks

Daniels has only taken seven sacks in each of the past two seasons.

Why is that such a big deal?

Sacks = yardage loses.

Not absorbing many yardage losses is advantageous for the offense.

Daniels has the juice to wiggle out of pressure, and he tends to get the ball out of his hands, which are two great signs that translate to the next level.

Where does Daniels fit best?

I maintain he fits a system like 49ers’ Head Coach Kyle Shanahan runs, which is quick short passes and throws into the intermediate route level. While Daniels is inconsistent deep, he showed the arm to get it there.

Daniels adds an athletic element and would fit well into a quick-structured offense behind starter Brock Purdy. 49ers’ veteran QB Sam Darnold is on a one-year deal, and QB Trey Lance could end up getting traded, which would create the need.

#6 Jalon Daniels 6-foot-0, 215 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Summer 2023 Grade: Third-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 0% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of June 30, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Previous article (2022: 4 games evaluated) 49ers’ Scouts Need to Watch Kansas QB Jalon Daniels

Additional 2022 game film reviewed: Texas, Houston, Iowa State, and Tennessee Tech (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2022 stats: 155/230 (66.1%), 2014 yards, 18 TD, 4 INT, sacked 7 times, long-73

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Athletic passer with pro polish. Methodical pace. Navigates the pocket with mobility. Inconsistent in going through progressions. Able to create and extend plays. Climbs the pocket and rolls left and right with decent accuracy. Touch passer who can put some zip on passes when required (slants). Has the arm to get it deep, but is inconsistent. Tends to overthrow. Showed some emotion.

What to watch for during the 2023 college football season

1. Deep ball?

2. Ball security?

3. Number of sacks?

4. Throwing shoulder holds-up? (suffered severe separation against TCU in ’22 – came back and played with the rest of the season)

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.