by
9 Comments
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
DETROIT – It only took 20 minutes into the NFL Draft for LSU’s Jayden Daniels to hear his named called as the quarterback was selected No. 2 overall by the Washington Commanders.

Daniels joins Joe Burrow (2020), JaMarcus Russell (2007) and Bert Jones (1973) as LSU quarterbacks selected either No. 1 or 2 in the NFL Draft. Burrow (Bengals) and Russell (Raiders) were No. 1 picks, while Jones was the second overall selection by the Baltimore Colts.

Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, becomes highest-drafted player for LSU coach Brian Kelly in his 33-year collegiate career. Daniels also became LSU’s 50th first round pick, which ranks No. 9 among all college programs.

In two years with the Tigers, Daniels guided LSU to 20 wins and a berth in the SEC Championship Game in 2022. As a fifth-year senior in 2023, he led the nation in several categories including total offense (412.2), points responsible for per game (25.2), rushing yards by a quarterback (1,134) and yards per play (10.71). His nation’s best passer rating of 208.0 ranks the highest in FBS history.

“I’m ready to get to work,” Daniels said moments after getting selected. “(Washington) is going to get everything out of me – a competitor, a hard worker. I can’t wait to get there and meet my new teammates.”

In 12 games in 2023, Daniels threw 40 TD passes and ran for another 10 scores becoming only the fifth player in SEC history to account for 50 touchdowns in a single-season. He capped his final season with the Tigers completing 236-of-327 passes for 3,812 yards. He joined Johnny Manziel as the only players in SEC history to pass for 3,500 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season.

In a November win over Florida in Tiger Stadium, Daniels became the first player in FBS history to rush for 200 yards and pass for 350 yards in a game. In doing so, he also set the SEC mark for total offense with 606 yards (372 passing, 234 rushing) in the 52-35 win over the Gators.

The following week in a win over Georgia State, Daniels accounted for eight touchdowns (6 passing, 2 rushing), tying the previous mark set by Burrow against Oklahoma during the 2019 CFP Semifinals.

In his final game at LSU, Daniels led the Tigers to a 42-30 win over Texas A&M. In that game, Daniels threw four TD passes and rushed for 120 yards as LSU overcame a double-digit second half deficit, outscoring the Aggies, 28-6 over the final 26 minutes of the contest.

(Release via LSU Athletics)

Loading Twitter Embed....
Loading Twitter Embed....
Loading Twitter Embed....
Loading Twitter Embed....

Filed Under: LSU Football
9 Comments
user avatar
cajunmud9 days
Gonna be playing Malik twice a year. Won't miss that game for sure.
user avatar
Jabontik9 days
Still drafted way too low, he's gonna light it up
user avatar
NOLATiger1639 days
But does he wear nail polish?

(Because the guy picked ahead of him has. Surely some draft analyst braintrust has been thinking about that.)

Anyway, good luck JD!
user avatar
BobABooey9 days
I really hope for the best for JD. I don’t want a repeat of RG3 in Washington. Jayden is the latest in a line of great ambassadors for LSU.
user avatar
Was thinking the very same thing, hope he can turn that offense around. Geez
user avatar
My went from that LSU vs FSU game in NOLA to winning the Heismann and going #2.
user avatar
moontigr9 days
Hope he can lead Washington back to prominence.
user avatar
Camp Randall9 days
Damn.
user avatar
Nole Man9 days
Great talent! Good luck to him.
Popular Stories
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram