Big Board ranking: #10

Positional ranking: #3

 

Overview

Position: QB

College: LSU

Class: Senior

Age: 23

 

Measurables

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 210 lbs.

Arm length: N/A

Hand size: N/A

 

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: N/A

10-yard split: N/A

Vertical jump: N/A

Broad jump: N/A

Bench press: N/A

3-cone drill: N/A

Short shuttle: N/A

 

Strengths

Passing mechanics are there in terms of footwork/foundation. Throws with very good velocity/zip. Release is quick and repeatable. Shows an ability to rip throws into windows. Arm strength shown on field side throws from the opposite hash. Accurate on slant routes. Impressive touch throwing versus single coverage on the outside. Shows touch layering intermediate throws. Sees when receivers have a step and will let the deep ball fly with natural accuracy throwing to a spot. Ideal arc and timing to get the ball between the cornerback and safety near the sideline. Shows promise throwing with anticipation to hit targets coming out of their breaks. Has shown he will read both sides of the field from the pocket. Does a good job recognizing and getting the ball out on open hitch routes. Shows an ability to slide in the pocket while keeping two hands on the ball. Will slide and deliver an accurate throw. Fluid ripping throws while rolling out. Elite rushing threat at quarterback. Deadly runner on scrambles. Top-tier speed. Tremendous acceleration to hit another gear and pull away in space. Phenomenal juke move. Very slippery and elusive. Great vision and routinely destroys angles in the open field. Leaves linebackers tackling air. Good strength at his size. Able to overcome deficiencies by making things happen with his legs. Often ran through the teeth of SEC defenses for monster gains.

 

Weaknesses

Thin overall build considering play style. Field vision is a work in progress. Needs to be better working through progressions. Will not see or be late seeing open targets. Tends to take off if the first read is covered. Needs to be better anticipating and attacking holes in coverage. Eye manipulation can be improved. Shaky and drops eyes if the pocket begins to collapse with no escape hatch. Ball placement needs improvement when pressured. Inconsistent accuracy on underneath throws. Will miss some throws erratically in general. Almost purely a runner when he begins to scramble.

 

NFL comparison

Marcus Mariota

 

Conclusion

Overall, Daniels is an exciting prospect with game-breaking rushing ability and enough to work with to be encouraged about as a passer. The landing spot will be key for his chances of tying everything together, but the upside is worth taking in the top ten.