Ranking the Patriots' 5 quarterback choices in 2024 NFL Draft

2. Jayden Daniels (LSU)

Perhaps the biggest question mark in this year's NFL Draft is, who does Washington take at No. 2? For the longest time, it seemed like the Commanders would take Daniels. LSU head coach Brian Kelly even mentioned Daniels and Washington in the same interview response, although it was clarified that the question was specifically regarding the Commanders.

The reasons why the Patriots should select Daniels if he's available are well-documented. He possesses home run speed from the quarterback position, but what jumps off the screen is elite accuracy whether it be on the run or in a clean pocket.

The stats back it up, as he completed 72.2% of his passes while throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns to just four interceptions. The comparisons to Lamar Jackson regarding running ability are valid, but Daniels' game leans much more towards the passing game. Jackson never completed above 60% of his passes at Louisville, so Daniels at least has a head start in that category heading into the league.

After a similar completion percentage of 58.2% as a rookie, Jackson has maintained a completion percentage between 62% and 67%. So, if Daniels is already at that level, we could see him in MVP conversations sooner rather than later. Daniels also chose not to do running drills at the Combine or LSU's pro day, instead opting to let his 1,134 yards and ten touchdowns on the ground during his 2023 Heisman campaign do the talking.

Like Maye, Daniels will likely not slip past No. 3 in the draft. If Washington takes one of the other QBs, it will be extremely hard for the Patriots not to make Daniels their next quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick.