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ESPN analyst Jesse Palmer took one look at Mel Kiper Jr.’s list of the top quarterbacks in college football this season and wondered about something.
Palmer was surprised how low Jayden Daniels was on the list.
“That shocks me, that he’s only No. 9,” Palmer said.
Palmer argued that Daniels is the third-best QB off the board, behind USC’s Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye.
“He’d probably go in the top 5 picks,” Palmer said.
Palmer noted he doesn’t want to take anything away from Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon’s Bo Nix, Michigan’s JJ McCarthy, Texas’ Quinn Ewers or Duke’s Riley Leonard.
But, Palmer added, Daniels’ games at QB so far this season speak for themselves.
“If you watched Jayden Daniels play through 6 games and this one, you can’t tell me all those other guys are getting drafted ahead of him,” Palmer said.
Palmer noted it’s “even beyond the physical talents” and throwing and running ability for Daniels.
“It’s all the intangible qualities I think he has,” Palmer said. “He’s a great leader, he’s poised, and he’s thrown that throughout his career even at Arizona State. He’s got competitive fire, leadership and he puts the team on his back.”
Daniels led the No. 22 Tigers to a 48-18 win over Auburn on Saturday. The senior play caller completed 20-of-27 passes for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns. On the ground, Daniels rushed for 93 yards on 11 carries.
LSU hosts Army next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on the SEC Network.
