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Brian Kelly Endorses Jayden Daniels Ahead of NFL Draft as Dan Quinn and Commanders Projected to Draft LSU QB

Published 04/22/2024, 6:00 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

As venerated as Jayden Daniels is, the LSU QB is facing some criticism these days. The 6’4” QB is often shunned for his underthrows, short arms, and deep ball accuracy to name a few. Besides that, people credit a lot of his numbers to Malik Nabers, considering the 20-year-old WR to be the reason behind this QB’s success. However, coach Brian Kelly has come forth and shed light on how the quarterback is ready for the big leagues.

Now, as the NFL draft is within a whisker, Kelly’s word might prove to be vital. Especially since the WUSA9 did a whole segment on the Washington Commanders’ quest to find a new quarterback for their team. Commanders invited 22 prospects for 30 visits and one of them was Jayden Daniels. Dan Quinn made it clear that he’s looking for a QB with a competitive personality, and Kelly thinks Daniels has got what it takes.

Brian Kelly backs Jayden Daniels as a prime NFL prospect

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Daniels mentioned that he wanted the teams to believe in him as a person and as a player. He later acknowledged the fact the teams already knew him as a “person and a player.” It’s just a matter of time before we get to see what happens in the draft. Despite all the shortcomings mentioned earlier, Daniels’ coach had praises to sing about him.

Though Dan Quinn and the Commanders are nearly sure about drafting the QB, the LSU prospect mentioned his liking for the Las Vegas Raiders recently. Jeremy Fowler confirmed that theory, raising the contention that Daniels wants to reunite with Antonio Pierce.

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Irrespective of which team selects him at the 2024 NFL draft and which colors he will don, Daniels addition is going to add to the already competitive NFL arena. Reflecting a similar sentiment, highlighting Jayden Daniels caliber, Brian Kelly said, “This is a guy that is a pro this past year and the way he took care of himself, um you’re not gonna have to worry about him. He, is going to be so committed to taking care of himself. Um that you don’t have to worry about size, or he doesn’t weigh enough.”

 

It’s no secret that the Heisman winner has an impeccable run game. He made up for his presumed shortcomings with 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns over 135 carries in the last season. But some other concerns popped out recently.

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LSU QB’s agent didn’t take Commanders’ 30 visits kindly

The Washington team invited Drake Maye, JJ McCarthy, and Michael Penix Jr. amongst others to their facility. The purpose of this visit was to observe the interaction and behavioral patterns of the players. Apparently, this didn’t sit well with Daniels’ agent Ron Butler. He shunned the Commanders for inviting other QBs in the same slot.

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Fans and media are questioning Commanders’ maverick approach to getting to know their players. But this process is the brainchild of Adam Peters, who is also responsible for making the Niners successful. Perhaps, this is how Dan Quinn will also find out whether Daniels has what it takes to fit in his strategies.

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Written by:

Abhinav Prakash

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Abhinav Prakash is an NFL Writer at EssentiallySports. He covers several aspects of the game, more specifically core sports events. Abhinav has also covered Taylor Swift in great detail, apart from these stalwarts.
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Edited by:

Aazima Basharat