Jayden Daniels, originally not seen as a top contender for the early picks of the 2024 NFL Draft has significantly boosted his stock following an impressive Heisman Trophy-winning season with LSU in 2023. His exceptional performance has led to speculation that he could be selected as early as the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft.
The New England Patriots, holding the No. 3 overall pick, have been frequently linked to Daniels in expert mock drafts. Despite this, a key advocate for Daniels within the Patriots’ organization, Bill Belichick, has since departed from the team. NFL Network’s Bridget Condon shared insights from the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, revealing that Belichick had a particular fondness for Daniels, even placing him at the top of the Patriots’ draft board.
Belichick’s departure in January saw Jerod Mayo stepping in as his replacement. With the Patriots in need of a quarterback, the No. 3 pick could very well be used to secure Daniels, assuming he remains available. The Patriots were among the teams that interviewed Daniels at the Combine, indicating a continued interest in his capabilities.
However, there’s uncertainty regarding Daniels’ availability when the Patriots make their first-round selection. Some mock drafts, including one from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., suggest the Washington Commanders might pick Daniels at No. 2.
Daniels is celebrated for his dual-threat capabilities, having achieved 40 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns in 2023. His potential selection by the Patriots at No. 3 seems logical, yet the team has ample time to conduct thorough evaluations of all prospects before making their final decision.