The Raiders possess a glaring need at quarterback. How does Jayden Daniels fill that void?
2024 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Jayden Daniels
Position: Quarterback
Schools: LSU/Arizona State
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 212 pounds
Arm Talent/Mechanics
Daniels displays outstanding arm talent. First, he generates excellent velocity on his throws. The ball explodes from his hand. Next, he can appreciate that different levels and patterns require different touch and pass strength. The prospect will not fire a dart on any plays that call to lead a receiver open. On the hand, the prospect’s mechanical acumen still requires work. Daniels’ next evolution as a passer must begin with finding a repeatable motion that foster consistency.
Accuracy
Perhaps no facet of Daniels’ game improved as much getting in a rhythm to accurately place the ball where he wishes. The 2023 Heisman winner toiled diligently on this aspect. Whether it was shoddy coaching or schemes at Arizona State, when the LSU standout arrived in Baton Rouge, his game changed. If you look at throws at all three levels, you will observe marked improvement. In the short game, slants, screens, and drags become big plays with ball placement. Daniels’ wideout enjoyed hundreds of yards of YAC. Similarly, the post, dig, corner, and other intermediate route lead to not only big gains but the receiver doesn’t expose themselves to jarring hits. On top of that, no one throws a more accurate deep ball than Daniels. From the go to slice a defense to the end zone fade, the prospect loves to flash the big throw.
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Athleticism
Granted, by now, everyone witnessed the former Tiger glides through traffic. However, with Daniels’ approach there is more than meets the eye. More importantly, how the prospect gets loose. While the quick first step is a must, Daniels shows zero issue with lowering the shoulder and bowling defenders over. Now, at the next level, teams will frown upon their franchise player trucking people. Yet, that drive gives a glimpse into the will of the player. That said, the prospect will out run players to the boundary and in the open field.
Intangibles
During his time at Arizona State, the prospect endured detractors slandering his name, his character. Yet, he took the high road when he should have lost directions to it. When he arrived at LSU, Daniels faced a daunting SEC schedule. To his credit, he emerged from the gauntlet with a 70.2 percent completion percentage. From a mental makeup approach, the player says and does the right things without delay or ego. At the next level, that will assist him greatly.
Raiders Fit
Aidan O’Connell under no metric, evaluation, or belief, is it. The Raiders need a quarterback to step in and lead the franchise into the next decade. Unlike previous franchise quarterbacks, Daniels should not need his hand held or his ego fueled. On the field, Daniels presents immediate headache for AFC West opponents. If teams choose to constantly contain, the run game opens and the Raiders can pick apart the middle and deep areas of the field. If defense chooses to pin their ears back and rush with abandon, watch the player gash them for long runs. Most importantly, the player maintains a very strong relationship with interim head coach Antonio Pierce. Provided that the Raiders remove the interim tag from Pierce, Daniels makes the most sense for Pierce. Pierce served as defensive coordinator during Daniels’ stay as an Arizona State Sun Devil.