LSU QB Jayden Daniels Sliding Down PFF Draft Rankings

With the NFL Scouting Combine taking place this week, a lot of NFL Draft talk is taking place. But one player who has yet to do anything at the combine is already seeing his stock plummet. At least according to Pro Football Focus. That player: Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.

It is unclear why PFF has suddenly downgraded Daniels. The LSU quarterback has yet to do anything of note this offseason. If anyone is watching his tape from the 2023 season, his stock should be trending in the other direction. He completed 72.2% of his passes. Daniels threw for 40 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He passed for 3,812 yards. Daniels rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns as well.

Jayden Daniels has solid mechanics and good footwork. He is mobile and his throwing is accurate. Daniels has been called a “one year wonder” but before 2023 he had thrown for 49 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He is a dynamic playmaker, who should be in the conversation to be the first overall pick. At worst, he is a top-four quarterback in the draft who will be an option for every team needing a quarterback.

With USC’s Caleb Williams expected to go No. 1 overall, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye are the consensus next two quarterbacks on the board. The betting odds are that the Washington Commanders will select one at two, with the New England Patriots then getting whichever quarterback remains.

So why has Pro Football Focus slid Daniels down to No. 22 on their big board? Selecting Daniels third to New England in their mock draft simulation garners a grade of C-minus. PFF ranked Daniels in the top ten earlier this month. What happened?

Are there rumors floating in NFL circles that Jayden Daniels could be the 2024 NFL Draft Day slide? Perhaps. But Daniels’ body of work makes him an outstanding prospect, well worth being ranked higher than No. 22 on the board of anyone who has been paying attention.