Jayden Daniels QB LSU: Scouting Report

Height: 6’3

Weight: 210

Overall

Jayden Daniels is a dominant playmaker in LSU’s balanced offense. He began his career at Arizona State where he played in and started 29 games over 3 seasons. He then transferred to LSU where he played in and started 26 games over the past 2 seasons. He was extremely productive throughout his college career, especially at LSU which resulted in a Heisman Trophy this past season.

Pass Game

Daniels has very good footwork in the pocket and does a good job of staying balanced and keeping his shoulders square as he looks downfield. He is an excellent athlete and has the speed to and shiftiness to evade pressure and extend plays against the rush. Once he gets outside the pocket he makes big plays with his legs but he also has the accuracy to make tough throws on the run. He has a very quick release and has excellent throwing velocity allowing him to fit the ball into tight windows. He has good arm strength and throws a beautiful deep ball as well. On film, he is extremely consistent with his footwork, mechanics, and accuracy resulting in very minimal mistakes. He has excellent poise in the pocket and made some very tough throws on film with pressure bearing down on him. At times, he will hold on to the ball too long trying to avoid the rush and take off up the field resulting in bad sacks.

Run Game

Daniels is an explosive runner with his acceleration and speed to outrun defenders. He was used often on zone reads and designed QB runs where he made some big plays on film. He has quick feet to juke defenders combined with the size to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact. He took some big hits on film resulting in him missing game time, which is a concern, but if he can learn to slide and avoid contact, he can be a dominant rusher in the NFL, both in the open field and on the goal line.

Last Word

Daniels is an elite playmaker, and he is a “win because of” quarterback. He not only shows the talent in both the pass and run game on film, but he also shows the poise and consistency to excel at the next level. He projects best in an offense where he can be the focal point of the offense and allow him to spread the ball around to his playmakers while also using his legs to pick up big gains. With his quick release and rushing prowess he can be a dominant weapon on 3rd downs to extend drives.

One-Liner: Jayden Daniels is an elite talent both in the air and on the ground and if he can stay healthy, he will be an elite playmaker in the NFL.

Grade: 7.0 (High End 3 Down Starter)

Games Watched: 2023 - Florida State, Mississippi State, Alabama, Missouri

Team Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints