Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts after running past for Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) for a touchdown during the fourth quarter in a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Former NFL general manager Rick Spielman has high expectations for top NFL Draft prospect Jayden Daniels.
Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy following a stellar 2023 campaign at LSU, is primed to be one of the first quarterbacks chosen next month.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball against Alabama (Photo Courtesy of AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Daniels’ stock seems to be surging as the NFL Draft nears, potentially climbing as high as becoming a top-three pick in the draft.
After passing for 3,812 yards with 40 touchdowns to just four interceptions last season in Baton Rouge, and adding 1,134 yards and 10 more rushing touchdowns last season, Spielman believes Daniels offers many of the same traits as the Baltimore Ravens’ reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.
“Daniels’ speed and athletic ability to make plays with his legs might be the best in this draft class,” Spielman writes for The 33rd Team. “He consistently outruns defenders in the SEC — he rushed for more than 220 yards against Florida.
“When the pressure rises, Daniels seems to raise his level of play at critical junctures in games. He was excellent running the two-minute offense just before halftime against Alabama. When the bright lights come on, Daniels thrives. Several traits in his game are reminiscent of Lamar Jackson when he came out of Louisville.”
