2022 NFL Draft: Can Arizona State QB Jayden Daniels Crash The Party?
The 2022 NFL Draft is still waiting for a separator from the pack. Could Sun Devils quarterback Jayden Daniels still make a move?
The 2022 NFL Draft quarterback class is utter chaos. There’s movement every week at the position, and finding a consensus QB1 is not an easy task. The argument is there for Matt Corral based on his rise this season and more efficient play. Malik Willis looked more accurate and composed this season, but had a clunker performance in a loss to Louisiana-Monroe. Sam Howell has rebounded well and Carson Strong is a steady performer.
There’s a chance, albeit a small one, that some other quarterback prospect can make a move ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. That guy might just be Arizona State’s Jayden Daniels.
Jayden Daniels hasn’t been in the spotlight much this season, as many were hoping to see progression during his sophomore campaign. He only played four games in 2020, but his placement was all over the place and he missed some easy throws every game. Entering summer scouting, he was left off a lot of early quarterback rankings.
Daniels has quietly had a good 2021 campaign. He’s setting career highs in efficiency, completion percentage, and yards per attempt. That obviously doesn’t tell the full story, but it’s nice to see that uptick.
When the film goes on, you see a confident passer with a live arm who likes to challenge the intermediate and deep areas of the field. He can make great plays while on the move, and can extend plays when avoiding the rush. His placement has taken a step up this season and his decision making has been much better.
Now, there are still things for Daniels to work on, including finding the check down option quicker against a heavy rush and not drifting too far back in the pocket/running into sacks, but the improvement in key areas is good to see.
The arm talent, tools, and great athleticism as a runner make Jayden Daniels an intriguing talent for the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s still likely a day two guy if he declares at the moment, but there’s still plenty of season in front of him to make a move in this quarterback class. Nothing is nailed down yet, so be weary of Daniels down the stretch in 2021.