NFL Exec Says Jayden Daniels Is Like 'Poor Man's Lamar Jackson' amid Injury Concerns
April 19, 2024
Jayden Daniels is already regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL draft, but that isn't stopping some people in the league from adding to the hype for the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.
One AFC executive told NFL.com's Tom Pelissero that Daniels reminds him of a "poor man's Lamar Jackson" both because of his athleticism but also the size that could make him more susceptible to injuries:
"The biggest thing I always worried about is [Daniels is] f---ing skinny. He didn't take a picture at the combine, he didn't weigh in at the combine -- that's all by f---ing design. He knows he's f---ing skinny. You worry about him getting hurt. But because of his athleticism, he's got a chance. I know they scaled the offense back (initially) for him at LSU. Now, I think they put more on him. He's quick to run. His eyes are down. He gets fast and antsy on you in the pocket. And once he pulls that mother ----er down, he ain't coming back up."
Pelissero noted one AFC quarterbacks coach pushed back on the Jackson comparison because Daniels' speed is more effective in a straight line than when he's trying to avoid contact.
Daniels took 65 sacks over the past two seasons and has the second-highest pressure-to-sack ratio of any quarterback in the draft over the past two years, ahead of only Will Levis.
Football Insights 📊 @fball_insightsPressure to sack on blitz vs non-blitzed DBs among Round 1-2 QBs. Josh Allen, Lamar were blitzed alot (>40%), so that P2S going down otherwise could be seen as encouraging. Daniels/Levis highest blitz rates faced over last two drafts and didn't seem to make up for it otherwise. <a href="https://t.co/e1icUQEIpR">pic.twitter.com/e1icUQEIpR</a>
Daniels did measure in at just under 6'4" and 210 pounds at LSU's pro day. If that's the actual weight he plays at in the NFL, it won't stand out.
Per Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice, there have only been five quarterbacks since 2000 who have started 14 or more games in a single season and weighed under 205 pounds.
If Daniels proves he can move around like Jackson does, the sky is the limit for what he can do in the NFL. There will almost certainly be a significant period of adjustment, but his upside is going to be too tantalizing for him to last long in the draft.