Brian Kelly explains what Jayden Daniels must do to be successful in the NFL
We’re now less than a month away from the 2024 NFL draft, and that means we’ll soon find out where Heisman-winning LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels will begin his pro career.
Though his draft stock was almost non-existent entering the 2023 season, Daniels is now widely projected as a top-three pick and is now the odds-on favorite to be taken second overall by the Washington Commanders.
At LSU’s pro day, coach Brian Kelly explained that to be successful in the NFL, you need to “flip the switch” from being a college athlete to a professional one. He believes that’s a transition that has suited Daniels so far.
“I think the NFL is all about making that next step, that transition,” Kelly said, per On3. “There’s no longer the other piece — the academics — it’s strictly a full-time job. You’ve got to be able to flip the switch now and commit yourself, which he has done here.
“He’s treated himself like a pro in the sense of his commitment. But now you got to be able to switch yourself to 100 percent focused on a job. Sometimes that’s a bit of a transition. You’re on your own now and it’s 100 percent focused on a job. In terms of athletic ability and in terms of his ability to master the skill set of playing quarterback, I think we saw today, he’s 210 pounds, he’s put on weight. “I think he’s gonna do just fine when it comes to the skillset and the athleticism. It’s just making that natural transition into an NFL locker room.”
Kelly also may have hinted at the pro day that the Commanders intend to draft Daniels.
Daniels didn’t participate in drills at the NFL combine, so last week’s pro day was his first time throwing in front of NFL scouts. He’ll hope that was a lasting impression as he now has a good chance to be the second quarterback off the board after Caleb Williams.
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