Raiders' Coach Pierce Talks Quarterback Prospect Daniels

NFL Draft prospect Jayden Daniels was with Arizona State for three of the four seasons Las Vegas Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce was on the coaching staff.

Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is one of the top quarterbacks in next month's draft class and he could possibly be selected as a Las Vegas Raider.

Daniels already has a solid connection to the Raiders. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner played three seasons at Arizona State before transferring to LSU and was recruited by Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce, the former recruiting coordinator for the Sun Devils.

"I mean, I thought he'd win the Heisman -- that was my recruiting pitch," Pierce said at the NFL Combine on Feb. 28. " ... Man, I'm just proud of him, when I was recruiting Jayden, 150 pounds weight. Everybody [was] like: 'Where you getting this little skinny dude from San Bernardino?'

"But what I saw was a winner. I saw a guy who was really competitive, always out to prove people wrong, been doubted his whole life because of size or certain attributes about him -- physically or mentally. And I think all he's done is prove people wrong. 

"And it was good to watch him do it at the highest level of college football -- the SEC -- and dominate. It was impressive."

NFL Draft prospect Jayden Daniels (above) was with Arizona State for three of the four seasons Las Vegas Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce was on the coaching staff / © Stephen R. Sylvanie | 2021 Dec 30

Pierce already has a player on his roster whom he has known for quite some time.

"It kind of reminds me of (cornerback) Jack Jones," Pierce said. "I've known Jayden since he was 14 years old, and I've known Jack since he was 13. I just watched them grow up to be young men, then obviously, their No. 1 goal is to be in the NFL.

"I just happen to be fortunate enough to be head coach of the Raiders, and that could be a possibility [drafting Daniels], but we'll have to see."

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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