Multiple outlets have linked the Minnesota Vikings to a trade-up scenario involving the New England Patriots, who hold the third-overall selection. With Caleb Williams as the presumptive first pick, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye are the available candidates in this scenario at third overall.
There hasn’t been much buzz around Daniels going to the Vikings. But if Minnesota finds themselves on the clock at No. 3 and the Washington Commanders select Maye, they can still turn the reigning Heisman winner into a franchise quarterback.
Quarterback rankings are shifting as the draft nears, reflecting new data, media narratives, or analysts’ taste in different styles. Dual-threat quarterbacks often face more scrutiny than pocket passers, and Daniels will be the next in a long line of quarterbacks to face outdated groupthink.
Daniels is an older prospect who will turn 24 during his rookie season. However, he has displayed the tools and the requisite development to warrant a top selection. In his Heisman campaign, Daniels threw for 3,811 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also added 10 touchdowns on the ground. Daniels also had the sixth-highest adjusted completion percentage (ADJ%) in the FBS in 2023 while leading the FBS in ADJ% on all passes over 20 yards.
Daniels also works the middle of the field well, which Kevin O’Connell loves to use.
Some analysts worry that quarterbacks in the ‘24 class will pad their statistics against low-ranking opponents. Daniels has no such concern. CFBNumbers’ graph puts it into context: Daniels performed best against high-level competition this season.
Daniels would also unlock an entirely new facet of the offense with his legs, something Minnesota hasn’t seen in decades. His pure rushing ability, in combination with the recent signing of longtime Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones, would force defenses to face multiple rushing threats while trying to contain the passing game, essentially pushing defenses into a pick-your-poison approach.
Daniels averaged 7.5 YPA in his collegiate career, with over 40 carries for over 10 yards in his final two seasons at LSU. He also had a 25% breakaway percentage.
But like all prospects, Daniels is not perfect. One concern noted is Daniels’ processing when plays are sped up. Daniels had an ADJ% of 62.8% when under fire, a solid number, and was the 33rd-graded quarterback in the FBS when forced to throw on the move.
While it isn’t a negligible concern, Daniels demonstrated his ability to throw on the run and under duress.
Daniels’s pressure-to-sack percentage (P2S%) is higher than many would like, a trait shared by former top picks who experienced disappointing results in the NFL, and PFF charted him as being responsible for 17.4% of his pressures.
By the P2S% metric, Daniels is in a similar tier to prospects like Justin Fields and Zach Wilson. Neither player is a favorable comp, and Daniels isn’t guaranteed a similar career path, but that is his most worrisome trait.
Daniels also struggles to protect himself in the open field, often taking hard hits to his slender frame that leave him stunned or injured. That’s even more of a concern in the pro game, where slight quarterbacks have had limited success. LSU lists Daniels at 210 lbs., but he has yet to undergo measurements because he opted out at the combine in Indianapolis.
Daniels also had otherworldly talents surrounding him. Malik Nabers is expected to be among the first 10 names to be called in April, and Brian Thomas Jr. has the talent to warrant a top-15 selection.
Ultimately, Daniels would be a tremendous selection for the Vikings. With work on his pocket management from several former NFL quarterbacks on Minnesota’s coaching staff, coupled with a sturdy offensive line, Daniels would thrive in the Vikings’ system. Although he is departing from his pairing with incredible weapons at LSU, Daniels would be throwing to Justin Jefferson, the best wide receiver in the league, and with spectacular ‘22 first-round pick Jordan Addison.
The skill group’s talent doesn’t end there, with exemplary tight end T.J. Hockenson and solid backup Josh Oliver, not to mention a run game headed by Aaron Jones. Daniels would provide a dynamic threat Minnesota hasn’t seen since Fran Tarkenton. Although it’s unlikely he will end up in purple, he has the talent to turn the Vikings into contenders.
