Mel Kiper Jr. details how Jayden Daniels is challenging Drake Maye in draft order

Most insiders still consider North Carolina’s Drake Maye the No. 2 quarterback available in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, LSU’s Jayden Daniels isn’t far behind. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper recently weighed in on 2023 Heisman Trophy winner’s rise in draft stock.

“Drake Maye turned out to be a guy that now is trying to hold off Jayden Daniels,” Kiper said. “I have not yet finalized Jayden or Drake. That’s going to be something I’m thinking about all the way into April.

“I had Jayden up at [No.] 4 [quarterback] when people hadn’t even had him in the top five. I’ve had him there since late September, early October, I had him up in the top 10, and I’m getting, ‘Oh my gosh, what are you doing?'”

Kiper’s early praise for Daniels was fantastic foresight. The Tigers’ QB completed 236-of-327 passes this season for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns with just four interceptions while also rushing for 1,134 yards and another 10 scores, leading the Tigers to a 9-3 regular season.

He became the first LSU Tiger to win the Heisman Trophy since Joe Burrow brought home the hardware in 2019.  Daniels led the nation in total offense (4,946) in the regular season as, touchdowns responsible for (50), passer rating (208.0), yards per pass attempt (11.7) and rushing yards by a quarterback (1,134).

In comparison, Maye completed 269-of-his-425 (63.3%) pass attempts in the 2023 campaign for 3,608 yards, 24 TDs and nine picks. Despite his inferior statistics, Maye boasts speed and accuracy that is rare in a collegiate player.

Kiper doesn’t see comparison between the two players slowing down anytime soon.

“I tried to be ahead of the curve on [Daniels]. But then, all of a sudden, I see it and now I got Drake Maye still ahead of him by one spot. But in terms of that, that’s going to be fun to see how that plays out,” Kiper said.

Jayden Daniels details life as a Heisman winner

No matter where Daniels is selected in the NFL Draft, he’s already accomplished more than most players can dream of. In December, Daniels pulled back the curtain on his life since winning the Heisman Trophy.

“It’s been a blessing but it’s also been crazy,” Daniels said in a sideline interview during LSU’s matchup against Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl. “Everybody is trying to talk to me and stuff like that. People were telling me my life would change after winning that trophy. I’m just blessed to be a part of a fraternity like that.

“It means a lot. It’s really changed the trajectory of my life and others too. To be able to come here and meet some of my closest friends and just really be bless — God put me in a position like this.”

Daniels’ life isn’t done changing. The NFL Draft will begin on April 25 in Detroit.