Last week, Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network unveiled his first mock draft of the year. In that mock, Jeremiah had USC quarterback Caleb Williams going No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears.
At No. 2, Jeremiah had the Washington Commanders selecting North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
On Monday, it was time for the legendary Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN to weigh in with his first mock draft.
Like Jeremiah, Kiper had Williams going No. 1 overall. However, Kiper had a different thought for the Commanders. Kiper has Washington selecting LSU quarterback — and Heisman Trophy winner — Jayden Daniels.
Kiper said he spoke to Daniels’ former coach at Arizona State, Herm Edwards, who compared Daniels to longtime NFL star Randall Cunningham.
Kiper praised Daniels for his arm strength, accuracy, dual-threat ability and his work ethic. Daniels, who is 6-foot-4, bulked up to around 210 pounds during his time at LSU.
Daniels had a phenomenal 2023 season for the Tigers, completing 72% of his passes for over 3,800 yards with 40 touchdown passes and only four interceptions. Additionally, Daniels rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged over eight yards per attempt.
Kiper mentioned how Daniels offers some of the same traits as some of the NFL’s best quarterbacks because he can extend plays and stress the defense on every play.
As for Maye, Kiper mentioned he still loved Maye and could see him going No. 2 to the Commanders or No. 3 to the Patriots.
You can watch Kiper talking about the Commanders and Daniels here.
