The early stages of the 2024 NFL Draft look set to be dominated by quarterbacks.
This year’s crop of signal-callers is believed to be one of the best in recent years, with some pundits predicting as many as six going in the first round.
Former LSU Tigers QB Jayden Daniels is one of this year’s best prospects, so here is a closer look at the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner.
Background and college career
Daniels was born in San Bernardino, California and made an early name for himself during his four years as the starting quarterback at Cajon High School. He enrolled at Arizona State University in January 2019 and enjoyed a productive freshman season with the Sun Devils, earning MVP honours in the 2019 Sun Bowl.
The 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Daniels would transfer to Lousiana State University in March 2022 after Arizona State was under investigation for recruiting violations.
A dominant season followed in which Daniels would win the Heisman Trophy and he declared for the 2024 draft after becoming the first player in college football history to total more than 12,000 career yards passing and 3,000 yards rushing.
What sort of player is he?
Daniels is a bona fide dual-threat quarterback, combining a calm pocket presence and smooth action with the instinct to evade pressure in the pocket and hurt the defense with his scrambling ability.
The 23-year-old also throws a very effective deep ball, both in the pocket and on the move.
Where is he likely to be drafted?
With Caleb Williams expected to go to the Bears with the first overall pick, the Washington Commanders have the first real dilemma of the 2024 NFL Draft with their second pick. Daniels and Drake Maye are both considered to be the next-best prospects after Williams, so it would be a huge surprise if Daniels does not go in the first three picks.
When is the 2024 NFL Draft?
The draft takes place over three days.
- Round 1: Thursday, April 25 (8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST)
- Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 26 (7 p.m. ET / 12 a.m. BST)
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 27 (12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST)
2024 NFL Draft: How to watch
U.S.: ABC, ESPN and NFL Network
UK: Sky Sports NFL and DAZN
Canada: DAZN
Other regions not listed above will need to check their respective local schedules.
Live on DAZN PPV: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20. Click here for details.