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LSU QB Jayden Daniels is set to be one of the first players taken off the board in the upcoming NFL Draft, currently listed by most experts as a top five selection. Though he remains one of the most coveted competitors at this week’s Combine, he’s opted not to show off his talents to scouts in attendance.
Instead, he’s saving that display for his LSU Pro Day. He explained why on Friday, listing an unselfish reason behind the decision.
Daniels, the reigning Heisman trophy winner, believes it will better benefit his teammates.
By sitting on the sidelines during throwing drills, anticipation from NFL teams only grows, meaning all eyes will be on Baton Rouge when Daniels does lace ’em up.
LSU QB Jayden Daniels says that his decision to not test at the #NFLCombine was less about him and more about his teammates.
By not testing, a lot of teams will be wanting to check out his Pro Day in Baton Rouge. His teammates will also get exposure from it. pic.twitter.com/Bp2kEIwkBF
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) March 1, 2024
“It gets the guys that worked so hard to get their opportunity in front of everybody to showcase what they can do,” Daniels said while speaking to the media. “It wasn’t about me. It was about my teammates.”
This would give LSU’s stars, as well as players who didn’t land a Combine invite, a chance to put their talents on display.
Jayden Daniels has shown leadership in his two seasons on the Bayou, landing an SEC title game appearance before taking home that individual Heisman hardware as a senior. While his transfer from Arizona State was met with consternation from teammates, he did all he could to win the locker room at LSU over.
This only further proves that.
Jayden Daniels could be the first pick in the NFL Draft.
He’s one of three top QBs not throwing at the NFL Combine, joining No. 1 overall favorite Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye.
Those three are expected to be among the first names called come April, though in which order has yet to be determined.
“You cannot find many flaws with the way [Jayden Daniels] played this year. … Him and Caleb [Williams], to me, are one and one.” 👀
—@LRiddickESPN on QB prospect rankings for the NFL draft. pic.twitter.com/4xRCqJyKWH
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 1, 2024
Williams has been the overwhelming frontrunner to come off the board first, but it hasn’t stopped media members from voicing their opinion on Daniels’ chances of overtaking him.
“Who has the best ball placement vs. man coverage?… That’s Jayden Daniels,” former pro Dan Orlovsky said in pre-draft leadup. “What does it look like when they throw downfield?… Jayden Daniels is the best at that. Who is the calmest in the pocket? Jayden Daniels…”
“Jayden Daniels should be the guy. If I were the Chicago Bears right now, I would take Jayden Daniels out of LSU.”
Orlovsky compared Daniels to last year’s No. 2 pick CJ Stroud who led the Texans to the playoffs as a rookie. He sees him as a better pro prospect than Williams or Maye.
While that No. 1 pick would certainly be an honor, Daniels says he’s more concerned with the situation than the draft slot.
“I just want to go to the best situation, if that’s the first pick, if that’s the 32nd pick. I’m just blessed overall just to be here. No matter where I hear my name called, I’ll be happy.”
He shouldn’t have to wait too long before making his way to the stage.