In this episode of “The Real Forno Show – SKOL Search Edition”, Tyler Forness delves deep into the potential of LSU QB Jayden Daniels as the next quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. The show unpacks Daniels’ impressive track record, his dual-threat capabilities, his distinct running style, and his growth as a passer. The potential concerns about Daniels’ style of play are also discussed in detail. It’s a must-listen for all Vikings fans keen to know about their team’s future.

Introduction to the NFL Draft Landscape
Tyler sets the stage by painting a picture of the anticipation and excitement that comes with the 10-week countdown to the NFL draft at the end of April. He observes that the top of this quarterback class is teeming with talent, making the forthcoming draft a potentially game-changing event for many teams. A standout among these prospects is Jayden Daniels, who, in Tyler’s assessment, just about edges out Caleb Williams for the QB2 position.

Background
Jayden Daniels

LSU
Transfer from Arizona State
Height-6’4”
Weight-210 lbs
Fifth-year senior
4-Star recruit per 247 Sports
Stats: 953-of-1,448 (65.8%), 10,810 yards, 89 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 271 carries, 3,955 yards, 34 touchdowns
Games watched: Florida State 2023, Florida 2023, Ole Miss 2023

The Potential of Jayden Daniels
As the NFL draft approaches, the top of the quarterback class, which includes Daniels, is attracting substantial attention. Despite Daniels being considered QB2 or QB3 in multiple mock drafts, his skills suggest he has a lot to offer to a team like the Vikings.

The Career of Jayden Daniels
Tyler takes us on a journey through Daniels’ career, which has been far from ordinary. His tenure at Arizona State was marked by turbulence, largely due to a massive recruiting scandal that engulfed the team under Herman Edwards. This adverse turn of events prompted Daniels to enter the transfer portal, leading him to Louisiana State University (LSU). At LSU, Daniels’ career took a stunning upward trajectory, culminating in him winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy two years later. His ability to make precise throws, particularly over 20 yards, has been a standout aspect of his game.

Evaluating Daniels’ Physical Traits
Daniels’ physical traits have been a point of discussion among analysts. He stands at 6’4″ and weighs 210 pounds, sporting a slender build that some might see as a concern. However, his lack of an injury history and his resilience on the field suggest that his size does not hinder his performance.

Unpacking Daniels’ Running Ability
One of the key attributes that set Daniels apart is his remarkable ability to run the football. Tyler draws a parallel between Daniels and Robert Griffin III, citing their similar builds and running styles as significant commonalities. He lauds Daniels’ skill in exploiting open spaces on the field and his knack for evading tackles. However, he also raises the red flag about Daniels’ propensity to take hits, which could make him susceptible to injuries.

Dissecting Daniels’ Passing Game
Despite having a sidearm release, Daniels has shown exceptional growth in his passing game. Tyler highlights how Daniels’ capacity to throw with anticipation and his fearlessness in attacking tight windows have evolved over his career. But it’s not all praise; Tyler also identifies areas where Daniels could improve. For instance, he often throws too often on a frozen rope and lacks consistency in his changeup.

Daniels’ Skills and Performance
Daniels’ performance at LSU was exceptional, completing 65.8% of his passes and scoring 89 touchdowns. He is also a very effective runner, having carried the ball 271 times for almost 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns. His running ability is considered an added advantage, and his overall performance has earned him an 87.5 out of 100 points.

Tyler’s Grades:
Arm Strength – 8.7/10
Accuracy – 8.3/10
Mechanics – 8.0/10
Ball Placement – 8.4/10
Throwing Motion – 8.1/10
Progressions – 8.3/10
Decision Making – 8.7/10
Functional Mobility – 9.6/10
Durability – 8.5/10
Poise – 8.9/10
Grade – 87.5/100 First Round (2 Bonus Points)

“Daniels is a really talented player but he misses getting a higher grade because there are still elements of his game that need to be refined. Don’t get it twisted, Daniels is a good to great prospect but isn’t quite on the elite tier. A couple of years of NFL coaching will make a massive difference for him to take the next step.” ~ Tyler Forness excerpt from USA Today’s Vikings Wire

The Vikings and the Daniels Prospect
The conversation then shifts gears towards the Minnesota Vikings. Tyler acknowledges that Daniels has been a popular choice in mock drafts for the Vikings. His combination of running and passing skills could potentially add a fresh dynamic to the team’s offense. However, there are still concerns about Daniels’ durability given his tendency to take hits, and questions around his decision-making when opting to run.

Wrapping Up: A Final Word on Daniels
In rounding off the discussion, Tyler acknowledges Daniels’ remarkable growth and his undeniable potential for the NFL. He posits that, if given the opportunity, Daniels could prove to be an invaluable asset not just for the Vikings but for any team in the NFL. He opines that under the right conditions, Daniels could evolve into a high-end Pro Bowler and might even find himself in the MVP race. However, he also acknowledges that every player has their strengths and weaknesses, and there’s a chance that Daniels might not live up to these high expectations. Nevertheless, Forness concludes by stating that Daniels is a promising player, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were picked first or second overall in the upcoming NFL draft.

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Thank you for joining this episode of The Real Forno Show, where we took an insightful journey into the potential of LSU QB Jayden Daniels as a future NFL quarterback. We hope you enjoyed the discussion and look forward to bringing you more expert analysis on your favorite NFL prospects.

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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and the Vikings Wire @TheVikingsWire and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, on the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and Fans First Sports Network’s NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.