LSU head coach Brian Kelly hinted during an interview that quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner, might be selected by the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL draft.
Kelly praised Daniels’ commitment to taking care of himself and compared him to Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes in terms of size.
LSU coach Brian Kelly on QB Jayden Daniels:
“He’s gonna get the ball out to his playmakers and make plays 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻.” 👀
(h/t: @CommandersFB1) pic.twitter.com/IQsAkhi1mf
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 28, 2024
Daniels had an impressive season, throwing for 3,812 passing yards and 40 touchdowns, as well as rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Bleacher Report ranks Daniels as the No. 3 quarterback prospect in this year’s draft. In a recent mock draft, Daniels is projected to be picked by the New England Patriots with the third overall pick.
The Commanders are in need of a franchise quarterback after a disappointing season and recently traded their previous starter. Kelly’s comments have increased speculation that Daniels could be their top choice.
However, it is still uncertain who the Commanders will ultimately select. The 2024 NFL draft is approaching, and Daniels is among the highly regarded prospects.
LSU Tigers head Coach Brian Kelly appears to have inadvertently revealed that Washington Commanders will select quarterback Jayden Daniels in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
Kelly praised Daniels’ abilities during his Pro Day, explicitly stating that he will make big plays for Washington. This aligns with previous speculations that the Commanders have shown interest in Daniels.
Jayden Daniels to the Commanders?
What does Brian Kelly know? 👀 pic.twitter.com/e43KIts7Jb
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 28, 2024
Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 and has connections to Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, is considered one of the top three quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, alongside Caleb Williams and Drake Maye.
Williams is expected to be the first overall pick for the Chicago Bears. Washington’s new offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, has experience working with mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, suggesting Daniels’ fit with the team.
"My resume speaks for itself."
QB Jayden Daniels joined @CameronWolfe after throwing at @LSUFootball's Pro Day.
Catch the re-air tonight 8pm ET on @NFLNetwork https://t.co/SHCKPAkTiF pic.twitter.com/rWyxEMh2XH
— NFL (@NFL) March 27, 2024
Meanwhile, Commanders’ head coach Dan Quinn implies that they may entertain trade offers for their second overall pick, but deep down, Daniels might still be their preferred choice.
It remains to be seen if Kelly’s revelation was accidental or based on legitimate inside information. The Minnesota Vikings are also reportedly in the market for a quarterback and may consider Daniels among other prospects. The draft will begin on April 25th.
Jayden Daniels’ comments during his Pro Day at LSU have created quite a buzz.
The Washington Commanders, who hold the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, have been considering several options, but Daniels has emerged as a favorite.
This comes after NFL Network analyst Tom Pelissero revealed that rival team executives believe Daniels will be Washington’s choice.
The Commanders’ new offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, is known for his success with dual-threat quarterbacks and Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, fits the mold perfectly.
With a strong receiving tandem and a talented running back, Daniels appears to be the ideal candidate to lead Kingsbury’s offense in Washington.
Furthermore, Daniels has garnered interest from multiple teams, including the New England Patriots and New York Giants.
Overall, Daniels’ Pro Day performance has generated a positive response from the college football community.
Fans reacted as follows:
LMFAO well at least Washington is making the right pick bro
— Albumbrella (@TaiyoYozakura) March 28, 2024
No way. He has to join the New England Patriots. Come on !!!
— M. F. (@maui1909) March 28, 2024
yes great game
he is legend
Woah
WOAHHHH 👀
Okay— Bill Ari (@ImBillRay) March 28, 2024
Balanced playcalling and strategic passes can truly elevate a teams performance. Excited to see how Jayden Daniels steers the game towards success through his calculated plays!
— Neha (@NAzharTheGreat) March 29, 2024
HES A COMMANDER CONFIRMED pic.twitter.com/X9TiK6zHBs
— SPLECK (@kwajooo) March 28, 2024
He's talking to a Commanders reporter and talking in hypotheticals as to what Daniels could bring to the team. Not that deep.
— The Depressed Giants and Knicks Fan 6-11, 40-27 (@giants4lf) March 28, 2024
Washington is so lucky people are stuck on CW. They’re probably going to get the best QB with the least amount of BS/baggage
— Johnny (@Zeekie72) March 28, 2024
Lets see the whole interview and who interviewed him…that'll give more context to his comment
— Sean (@FlSkinsFan4Life) March 28, 2024
Wants his QB drafted high and talking to a Commander's reporter lol aggregator accounts
— Kyle (@KylesTakes101) March 28, 2024
Blessed be the soul that reads this ❤️🖤🧘♂️
— Zaga👑🟣$LOL (@KingLyon004) March 28, 2024
Jayden Daniels went pic.twitter.com/F4zPWJHI4r
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) March 27, 2024
Great 👍
— Muhamamd Shafique (@Mcknight2694) March 27, 2024
"my resume speaks for itself."
It sure does, 1 year wonder who's one of the worst passers to come out in years lmao.
— The Flus Redemption Tour🫡🐻⬇️ (@Poles_DaBurglar) March 28, 2024
Lmao well looking over your "resume"….. says here you sucked until you were a 5th year guy.
— Josh Chisholm (@JChisholm8) March 27, 2024
Yeah got Commanders name all over him
— Yungan.Chris (@yungan_chris) March 27, 2024
So he’s officially almost 6’4” but let these haters tell it, he’s barely 6’2”😂 pic.twitter.com/CO4wEcUg32
— Nna Mmadu👨🏾🍼 (@_IKENNA_) March 27, 2024
I'm rooting for @JaydenDaniels56 to do well in the @NFL looking forward to seeing him play. I hope the @Commanders draft this Brother all the best do your thing King #NFL #NFLDraft2024 #LSU #LSUProDay #jaydenDaniels #HTTC #takecommand #commanders #LSUFootball #proday 👊🏽🟣🏈🟡☎️
— kareemslick (@kareemslick) March 27, 2024
The thought of him on a team with a let’s come up with a BS name bc we are forced to, like the Commanders, is an insult to this man’s greatness at QB.
— Pooneus Tang 🍑🍆 (@PooneusTang) March 27, 2024