Jalon Daniels

NFL Draft Profile: Jalon Daniels

Position: Quarterback | School: Kansas | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'0" | Weight: 220 lbs | Archetype: Dual-Threat / Improviser

College Career Summary

Jalon Daniels is one of the most resilient and storied figures in Kansas football history. Over a six-year tenure, he transformed the Jayhawks from a Big 12 basement-dweller into a consistent bowl contender. Known for his "chaotic success," Daniels possesses a high ceiling as a playmaker but has spent much of his career battling significant back and lower-body injuries.

His 2025 campaign was his most complete statistical season, as he remained healthy for all 12 games. He became only the second player in school history to surpass 10,000 yards of total offense, joining the elite company of Big 12 legends like Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield as one of the few to record 9,000+ passing yards and 20+ rushing touchdowns in a career. While the Jayhawks finished 5-7, Daniels' individual efficiency—leading the Big 12 in passing rating for much of the year—reignited his draft stock as a high-upside developmental prospect.

2025 Season Statistical Highlights

• Passing Yards: 2,531

• Completion %: 62.1%

• Touchdowns: 22 Passing, 4 Rushing (26 Total)

• Interceptions: 7

• Passer Rating: 147.1

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Cmp/Att, Yds, TD/INT)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Fresno State	18/20, 176 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT	A+	The Precision Game. 90% completion rate; clinical RPO execution.
2	vs Wagner	18/25, 280 Yds, 4 TD/1 INT	A	Showcased deep-ball touch with a 58-yard completion.
3	@ #25 Missouri	18/30, 223 Yds, 2 TD/1 INT	B	Kept them competitive; displayed elite toughness vs. SEC pressure.
4	vs West Virginia	12/24, 138 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT	B+	Low volume but high efficiency in the red zone.
5	vs Cincinnati	19/28, 445 Yds, 4 TD/0 INT	A+	The Masterpiece. Career high in yards; elite out-of-structure magic.
6	@ UCF	18/26, 235 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	B-	Managed a run-heavy gameplan well; no turnovers.
7	@ #4 Texas Tech	27/33, 255 Yds, 2 TD/0 INT	A-	High statistical output in a loss; accurate on intermediate crossers.
8	vs Kansas State	17/35, 129 Yds, 0 TD/1 INT	D	The Slump. Inaccurate and struggled to read the blitz.
9	vs Oklahoma State	13/19, 110 Yds, 2 TD/0 INT	B	Efficient game manager role; relied on legs for key conversions.
10	@ #21 Arizona	15/29, 199 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	C+	Inconsistent accuracy but added a rushing TD to stay alive.
11	@ Iowa State	13/23, 154 Yds, 0 TD/1 INT	C-	Stifled by complex coverage; struggled to find rhythm.
12	vs #15 Utah	10/27, 187 Yds, 1 TD/3 INT	F	The Finale. Poor decision-making; forced balls into triple coverage.

NFL Scouting Report

Strengths

• Dynamic Creator: Daniels thrives when the script breaks. He is a twitchy athlete who can throw from multiple arm angles while evading 300-lb defensive ends.

• Compact, Sturdy Frame: At 220 lbs, he is built like a bowling ball. He can absorb contact on designed runs and has the mass to run through arm tackles.

• RPO Mastery: He is "automatic" in the quick game and between the numbers. He reads conflict defenders quickly and gets the ball out with zip.

• Vocal Leadership: A multi-year captain who "put Kansas on the map." He has a reputation for high IQ and elevating the play of those around him in crunch time.

Weaknesses

• Medical Red Flags: His history of back injuries is the primary hurdle for NFL teams. Availability has been his biggest opponent throughout his career.

• Streaky Accuracy: Daniels can go from a 90% completion game to a 40% game in back-to-back weeks. He misses routine throws when his footwork gets "lazy."

• Height Outlier: At 6'0", he is on the shorter end for NFL starters. He occasionally struggles to see over the interior of the line, leading to batted passes.

• Hero-Ball Mentality: He sometimes retreats 15 yards in the pocket rather than stepping up, leading to massive sacks or fumbles.

Scheme Fit

• Primary Fit: Spread RPO / Modern Motion Offense. He is an ideal fit for a system that utilizes a "plus-one" in the run game, similar to the Baltimore Ravens or Philadelphia Eagles.

Scout's Final Word

"Jalon Daniels is a 'Traits over Tape' prospect. When he is healthy and in a rhythm, he looks like a Top-50 pick with a live arm and game-breaking legs. However, the injury history and inconsistent accuracy make him a massive risk. He projects as a Round 6–7 'Flyer' or a high-priority UDFA who could become a high-end backup in a specialized system."