Ex-NFL GM maps out ‘concerns’ if Patriots draft Jayden Daniels

There’s a lot to like about Jayden Daniels’ ceiling at the NFL level — especially as a potential franchise fixture for the Patriots.

The former LSU quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner stuffed the stat sheet during his final season with the Tigers, throwing for 40 touchdowns and just four interceptions while also rushing for 1,135 yards and an additional 10 scores in 2023.

Daniels has all the makings of an effective dual-threat QB capable of dicing up defenses in a variety of ways — serving as an enticing option for a Patriots offense that averaged just 13.9 points per game last year.

Former New York Jets manager and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum is one of many NFL minds who holds Daniels in high regard.

In his latest NFL mock draft released on Tuesday, Tannenbaum has the Patriots selecting Daniels with the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft — with the Washington Commanders opting for fellow blue-chip QB prospect Drake Maye with the second-overall pick.

But even with Daniels’ evident skillset, Tannenbaum did map out a few concerns when it comes to the QB’s ability to thrive against NFL competition.

“Daniels is coming off a massive final season at LSU, throwing 40 touchdown passes, improving his completion rate to 72.2%, avoiding turnovers with only four interceptions, and rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 more scores,” Tannenbaum wrote. “I have concerns about his build — he was listed at 6-4, 210 pounds at LSU and didn’t weigh in at the combine — and he needs to add weight to withstand the rigors of an NFL season.

“But I really like the idea of Jacoby Brissett already being in New England, which would allow the Pats to let Daniels develop; there’s no rush or rule that says he has to play right out of the gate.”

If the Patriots are looking at a multi-year rebuild, keeping Daniels in more of a “redshirt” role behind Brissett could hold some merit — especially if it allows him to bulk up and learn the ins and outs of Alex Van Pelt’s new offense.

Speaking on Monday, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about Daniels and his potential appeal to New England. 

“I was on a Zoom with him. I’ve met him before. Look, those guys have Pro Days coming up here soon,” Mayo said. “Like, when I leave here I’m going to LSU and then when I leave LSU I’m going to Carolina before I get back home but you have to do your due diligence. And once again, it’s not all about me, it’s not all about (de-facto GM) Eliot (Wolf) which you guys have heard me say a lot, it’s about collaboration.”

According to MassLive’s Mark Daniels, Mayo and the Patriots’ top brass have a meeting scheduled with Daniels on Wednesday after LSU’s Pro Day workouts. 

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