Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is in the conversation to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and is one of the premier prospects at the position in this year's class. However, Daniels won't be throwing — or working out at all, during the NFL Combine.
In the past, some quarterbacks have opted against throwing for fear of disappointing scouts and evaluators in Indianapolis or hurting their draft stock, instead, preferring to perform in the friendly confines of their pro days where schools control every bit of the environment and script of the drills. Daniels has a very different reason for skipping the on-field testing.
Daniels told reporters at the Combine that he wants to draw as many of the NFL's decision-makers to Baton Rouge as possible to get even more eyeballs on his teammates.
Sam Phalen With AtoZ Sports shared a video of his answer via X.
LSU QB Jayden Daniels says that his decision to not test at the #NFLCombine was less about him and more about his teammates.
By not testing, a lot of teams will be wanting to check out his Pro Day in Baton Rouge. His teammates will also get exposure from it. pic.twitter.com/Bp2kEIwkBF
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) March 1, 2024
LSU is always a popular stop on the pro day circuit for NFL scouts, and evaluators. However, given that the Tigers' Pro Day will be the only opportunity this season to see Daniels throw, Baton Rouge could see an even larger contingent of NFL head coaches and general managers than usual.
Even teams not necessarily actively in the quarterback market will often send the organization's top decision-makers to pro days for the top quarterback prospects to gather intel for the potential they become free agents in future years, or the opportunity to trade up during the draft presents itself and they are swayed to change course at the position.
Daniels enters the NFL Draft, alongside Caleb Williams, as the possible first quarterback off the board, on the heels of passing for 3,812 yards with 40 touchdowns to only four interceptions and winning LSU's third Heisman Trophy in program history.
LSU is slated to host its pro day, and Daniels' workout, on March 27.
