Mel Kiper explains why Jayden Daniels is worthy of No. 2 pick in 2024 NFL Draft

Following his Heisman Trophy-winning season at LSU, Jayden Daniels was always going to be projected as a high pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. For the most part, he was considered the third guy, sitting behind Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. But in Mel Kiper’s first mock draft, he has Daniels going ahead of Maye at No. 2 overall to the Washington Commanders.

So why does Kiper see Daniels as the second name called in Detroit?

His ability to be aggressive without turning the ball over. Whether Daniels was taking a shot downfield to LSU’s excellent wide receivers or taking off and running, he was able to make big plays without putting his team in a tough spot. Two seasons at LSU resulted in 78 total touchdowns, seven interceptions, and four fumbles.

“The balance he strikes between aggressive running and taking shots throwing the ball yet not turning it over — to strike that balance is amazing,” Kiper said. “And to do it two years in a row. He didn’t have the touchdowns but he still didn’t turn the ball over as a first-year player at LSU.”

The best example of Daniels having a balance between the air and ground at an elite level is this past season’s game against Florida. He completed 65.4% of his throws for 372 yards and three touchdowns while adding 234 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries.

Even though LSU was virtually taken out of the College Football Playoff conversation the week before, Daniels dazzled. Putting those types of performances on type will not only help you win the Heisman Trophy but also make you a lot of money in the draft.

Heading into the season as a probable Day 2 guy, Daniels is set to become the face of a franchise in just a few months.

Mel Kiper turns to Jayden Daniels’ former coach for NFL Draft comparison

Daniels will be considered an LSU player coming out and rightfully so. But his career began at Arizona State where Herm Edwards was the head coach. Edwards was at ESPN before coaching in Tempe and is someone Kiper considers a friend.

So, Kiper turned to Edwards for a comparison for Daniels. He went with former Philadelphia Eagles legend Randall Cunningham, = a name Commanders fans will certainly remember.

“Herm Edwards recruited him to Arizona State and coached him,” Kiper said. “Herm’s comp is Randall Cunningham. I’ll take it.”