Even though Caleb Williams is a virtual lock to be the No. 1 pick to the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL draft, at least one AFC scout would vouch for LSU star Jayden Daniels to be selected first overall.
Per NFL.com's Tom Pelissero, the scout said Daniels would be their top pick because he's a "better athlete" and "loves football more" than Williams.
"If I was picking, I would pick Jayden Daniels No. 1," the AFC scout told Pelissero. "Better athlete. I think he loves football more. I believe that he's just a better f--king player. And I think he's on the rise and Caleb's kind of going lateral."
There's been no indication from anyone throughout the pre-draft process that Williams doesn't love football. He began working with coaches at the age of 10 to help mold him into reaching his full potential as a quarterback.
Daniels is, understandably, being hyped up because he's coming off a 2023 season at LSU that was one of the best ever by a college quarterback and was rewarded with a Heisman Trophy.
The 23-year-old Daniels completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns as a passer. He also ran for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.
If Williams had been eligible for the 2023 draft, it's unlikely he would be subject to some of the questions about his passion because he was coming off a Heisman season. The USC star threw for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns and completed 66.6 percent of his attempts.
Things didn't go as well for Williams last season, though a lot of that can be attributed to him carrying a huge burden because the Trojans' defense was horrendous. He still finished with 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and a 68.6 completion percentage in 12 games.
Even though it seems unlikely Daniels is in the mix to go No. 1 overall, he probably won't wait long to hear his name called in the first round. He's been connected to the Washington Commanders with the second pick throughout the pre-draft process.
If the Commanders were to pass on Daniels, the New England Patriots at three would be an obvious landing spot. It's also possible another quarterback-needy team, like the Minnesota Vikings, could try to trade up for Daniels if he's on the board after picks two or three.
Daniels is an incredible athlete who showed tremendous growth as a quarterback during his two years at LSU. It's not a surprise he is earning rave reviews from people in the NFL about what he might become when he starts working with a professional coaching staff.
Read 0 Comments
Download the app for comments Get the B/R app to join the conversation