Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels returns for his fifth season after missing most of 2023 due to injuries. Below, we examine his 2024 season performance, projected landing spot in our 2025 NFL Mock Draft, and more.
Where Did Jalon Daniels Land in Our Most Recent NFL Mock Draft?
In the most recent seven-round mock draft from Pro Football Network NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, Daniels is projected to be selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round, giving him a chance to earn the backup spot behind Jalen Hurts with a strong training camp
If his development stagnates, Daniels could still field mid-to-late-round consideration in the 2025 NFL Draft. If his current trajectory holds, that may be where he lands. Nevertheless, there’s still an early-round upside lurking beneath the surface.
Daniels’ Best Landing Spots in the NFL
According to PFN’s updated NFL team needs, the following organizations should prioritize quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Carolina Panthers
- Cleveland Browns
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Rams
- Miami Dolphins
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Tennessee Titans
Jalon Daniels’ Scouting Report and Measurements
Let’s take a look at some of the key snippets from Cummings’s scouting report of Daniels.
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 218 pounds
- Position: Quarterback
- School: Kansas
- Current Year: Redshirt Senior
Entering the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Daniels grades out as an early-to-mid Day 3 prospect on my board. However, if he can stay healthy and develop his processing and pocket navigation skills, he has the physical talent to potentially rise further.
Even with an abundance of starting experience, Daniels’ evaluation still involves a great deal of uncertainty. And until he can complete a full season, injuries will be the darkest cloud hovering over his projection.
Some quarterbacks — like 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. — have proven they can stack healthy seasons after early injuries. But for others, durability remains an issue, both for availability and stacked development. The 2024 season may determine which bucket Daniels falls into.
Thus far, Daniels has remained healthy in 2024, but he also hasn’t shown much development on the operational side. There’s still time, of course. Daniels is still a stellar creative threat with eye-catching athleticism and arm elasticity. That’s a foundation he can build off of.
Going further, Daniels has impressive feel when it comes to sequencing his mechanics, as well as attuning for accuracy and touch on different kinds of throws. To that end, he also has the composite arm talent to layer pace and touch, as well as remain a threat off-platform.
The Jayhawks are BACK? 😱
Jalon Daniels ➡️Quentin Skinner absurd TDpic.twitter.com/S98EwlGG3t
— Mike Vernon (@M_Vernon)
Anticipation, progression work, and pocket depth discipline are areas for Daniels to focus on in 2024.
Daniels 2024 Season Stats and Game Breakdowns
- Completions: 103
- Attempts: 182
- Completion Percentage: 56.6%
- Passing Yards: 1,312
- Passing Touchdowns: 10
- Interceptions: 8
- Rush Attempts: 45
- Rush Yards: 189
- Rushing Touchdowns: 4
Daniels has already thrown a career-high eight interceptions through seven games this season. His 4.2 yards per rush is up from 2.7 yards per rush last season.
Over the last two games, Daniels has thrown five touchdowns with no interceptions against the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Houston Cougars
When Is Daniels Playing Next?
Daniels and the Kansas Jayhawks will go on the road to face No. 16 Kansas State on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Last week, Kansas defeated Houston to snap a five-game losing streak.
The Sunflower Showdown between the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas State Wildcats might look lopsided on paper, with Kansas holding a 65-51-5 series advantage. Yet, recent history tells a different tale, with the Wildcats dominating the last 15 matchups.