Jayden Daniels didn’t need to make a statement at his Pro Day, but he did.
After an incredible season in which the fifth-year senior won the Heisman Trophy while putting up some of the best numbers of those to have won it, Wednesday was his last chance to publicly demonstrate to NFL scouts what makes him special.
In many ways, though, he’s already shown that he’s ready to play at the next level, though doing so presents new challenges.
“Here [at LSU], he’s treated himself like a pro in the sense of his commitment,” head coach Brian Kelly said. “But now you’ve got to be able to switch yourself to, you know, 100% focused on a job, and sometimes that’s a bit of a transition.”
On Wednesday, Daniels added to his case to be a top pick in the NFL Draft, which will begin on April 25.
Daniels insisted after the Pro Day that he wasn’t as concerned with what team ends up picking him as he is that that team trusts him to be their franchise quarterback.
“Who’s going to invest in me? Who’s going to believe in me?” Daniels said.
It seems likely at this point that Daniels will be one of the top three picks in the draft, with the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots all considered teams that need a quarterback.
All three teams had representatives at LSU Pro Day, with the Commanders and Patriots both sending head coaches Dan Quinn and Jerod Mayo. They each got the opportunity to see Daniels perform and throw in person and evaluate his tantalizing skillset.
Daniels didn’t participate in any drills besides throwing, but he still demonstrated his high-level ability. He threw with power and touch, both inside and outside the numbers.
Though Daniels missed two or three throws, he looked sharp for the most part and displayed the deep passing ability that was the hallmark of his historic season.
Daniels said he was focusing on showing his consistency within the pocket and his ability to have balanced footwork while moving. He also wanted to show his ability to go through multiple progressions.
“I think he left no stone unturned today with the performance that he had today throwing the football,” Kelly said.
Throughout the course of the day, Daniels exhibited what makes him so appealing to NFL scouts, and not just with his performance on the field.
During every drill, Daniels stood at the front of the observing group of LSU players to offer raucous support to his teammates. After wide receiver Malik Nabers ran his 40-yard dash, Daniels ran almost as far to catch up with him and celebrate.
Daniels passed up an opportunity to work out and be measured at the NFL Combine, saying that he wanted instead to bring lots of exposure to LSU’s Pro Day for his fellow teammates who were doing workouts.
In addition to Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., Gregory Clayton Jr. and Noah Cain, who were each already working out for the Pro Day, Daniels invited several current LSU players to throw to in order to have them perform in front of scouts.
“That was great for them to go out there and showcase their talent, showcase how they move, you know,” Daniels said after. “Write their own journey. If they get an opportunity, I know they’re going to crush it.”
In addition, Daniels wore the jersey of teammate Greg Brooks Jr. during workouts, nodding toward the LSU defensive back who left the team last season after doctors discovered he had a brain tumor.
“He’s thinking outside of just Jayden Daniels,” Kelly said. “That’s the way he’s been since he’s gotten here.”
Nabers, who also will likely be an early first round pick, offered praise for Daniels during the day, crediting him in part for his successful senior year.
“Jayden is a tremendous leader,” Nabers said. “Me and him, when we’re out there on the football field, it’s like second nature. I know what he’s doing, he knows what’s I’m doing.”
With another test passed with flying colors, Daniels will now continue to do meetings with teams and go through the pre-draft process until he finally hears his name called in less than a month.
There’s not much in Daniels’ game to be concerned about from an NFL scout’s perspective, but Kelly knows there’s still one thing on many of their minds.
“‘Will he slide?’” Kelly said with a laugh.
