New England Patriots to Meet with LSU QB Jayden Daniels Before NFL Draft

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is poised to visit the New England Patriots next week. Is it a precursor for what's to come?

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State quarterback Jayden Daniels (QB01) talks to the media at the NFL Combine. / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots' pursuit of a franchise quarterback will feature a big interview next Monday.

New England will hold a visit with former LSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, according to NFL Network.

Daniels completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions while rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt.

He brought considerable hardware back to Baton Rouge, with the Heisman being followed by the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien, AP Player of the Year and many others.

Daniels was one of college football's best rushing quarterbacks in 2023, recording 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 8.4 yards per attempt.

But will New England get the chance to draft him?

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State quarterback Jayden Daniels (QB01) talks to the media at the NFL Combine. / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Daniels and North Carolina's Drake Maye have been most commonly connected to the Patriots during the pre-draft process, but New England may not have a choice.

The Washington Commanders, who hold the No. 2 overall selection, are heavy favorites to select a quarterback - and DraftKings currently has Daniels with -140 odds to be the selection at No. 2.
Maye, in turn, has -110 odds to go No. 3 overall while Daniels sits at +135.

Daniels is an electric signal caller who's highly touted as a leader. At the NFL Combine, where he met formally with the Patriots, Daniels drew praise from Alabama defensive end Justin Eboigbe, among others.

"Just his ability to not be contained," Eboigbe said of the challenges Daniels presents. "He has a different type of speed. Great player. All you can hope is try to contain him. You expect him to make plays, but just try to contain him as much as you can."

Eboigbe's testimony was one of several very similar scouting reports of Daniels. He's a game-changer with his legs who proved he can win with his arm, too.

Surrounded by considerable talent at LSU with projected first-round receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., Daniels had an environment suited for success.

The Patriots, at least for now, may not - but Daniels remains an intriguing option who, if he falls to No. 3, should be a shoe-in for New England.

But the Patriots' decision only figures to grow more convincing after they meet once more - perhaps for the final time this cycle - with Daniels on April 8.