Is Jayden Daniels The Next Randall Cunningham?

Uncertainty grew over LSU quarterback (QB) Jayden Daniels as a potential starter in the NFL before the start of the 2023 season.

Now, the 2023 game film evaluation provides insight into the Heisman Trophy winner potentially being the second-best quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft class.

The dual-threat was rated as a 4-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports. He then made his commitment to Arizona State University before deciding to transfer to LSU.

2023 Review:

Daniels showed development in multiple areas including the passing game, running game, and his processing skills. Through the 2023 season, he put up significant numbers, leading the nation in total touchdown passes (40), touchdowns responsible for (50), and rushing yards by a quarterback (1,134). He also put up a whopping passer rating of 208.1 through 12 games. All accomplished while facing the No. 10 ranked SOS (strength of schedule).

Intriguing Numbers:

NFL Passer Rating on Throws of 20+ yards: 146.8

Completion % on throws of 20+ yards: 63.6% (Yahoo Sports)

Completion%: 72.2

Overview: Jayden Daniels

6-foot-4, 210 Pounds

40 Time: 4.50 (nfldraftbuzz.com)

2023 stats: 236/327 (72.2%) 3,812 yards (11.7 avg) 40 TDs & 4 INTs – 135 carries 1,134 yards (8.4 avg.) 10 TD

Level of Competition: High

Colton Edwards Grade: First-Round

2022 Film Evaluated: Georgia and Tennessee

2023 Film Evaluated: Arkansas, Alabama, and Ole Miss

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

Underrated arm talent and strength, allowing him to push the ball through all levels of the field (short, intermediate, and deep) with ease. He can quickly identify coverages towards the boundary in a one-two-out read combination. Matured decision-making ability, which lets him manipulate defenders with his eyes. This allows him to either spot a certain coverage, be aggressive, or play it safe and check down. More developed and experienced in full-field and half-field reads. Smooth footwork, quick release, and flexible shoulders. A true expert in throwing on the run, keeping focus on downfield targets, and delivering accurate throws. Showcases elite athletic ability allowing proficient pocket maneuvering, evading pressure effortlessly, and vision to escape the pocket.

Weaknesses: Inconsistent release, leading to erratic throws. Lack of natural balance, especially when in contact which might worry some in terms of potential turnovers. Needs to read and react quicker to post-snap coverage rotations. His slim frame is also a concern. Can his toughness overcome this? Or, will he put on mass?

Words from his coach:

“He’s the best quarterback in the country,” coach Brian Kelly said after the LSU-Florida Game this year. “He’s the best playmaker in the country. I’ve watched them all. We’re 7-3. That doesn’t mean anything. It matters who the best player is and he’s the best player.”

Kelly has also complimented his ability to think quickly with the ball.

“He is so decisive, there is no question about what he sees and how he acts,” Kelly noted at a press conference in November.

Summary:

Daniels displays leadership qualities, game management, situational awareness, and decision-making. His game film and football IQ remind fans of a seasoned pro. His mobility and arm are perfect for modern offenses, particularly in RPO (Run-Pass Option), and quick-pass scenarios that could open up play action, or vertical shots down the field. With that being said, his beautiful footwork, smooth arm action, great internal clock, and leadership skills, Daniels has all the attributes to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL.

Who will he remind us of?

Former NFL quarterback who played for teams across 16 seasons, Randall Cunningham

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF( Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. His aspirations are to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.