NFL Draft: Reports New England could trade pick 3 and how it affects Jayden Daniels

The current consensus among NFL Draft pundits is that Jayden Daniels is the No. 3 quarterback behind Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. I have seen some reports suggesting the former LSU football star ranks ahead of Maye on some draft boards. Nevertheless, I agree that if the draft occurred today, Daniels would be the third quarterback selected by an NFL team.

Currently, the teams holding the top three picks are expected to draft a quarterback. As such, several mock drafts on the Web suggest the Chicago Bears will select Caleb Williams, the Washington Commanders will choose Maye Drake, and the New England Patriots will select Jayden Daniels. However, the expectations change if New England trades down from the third overall pick.

According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots are open to trading their first-round pick and seeking a quarterback in free agency. Considering New England’s reluctance to engage in a full-scale rebuild, such a move makes sense. I also think the Houston Texans roster construction is weighing heavily on the minds of NFL general managers.

The Texans assembled a solid core of veteran players and utilized a short-term bridge approach at quarterback before drafting and inserting CJ Stroud behind center in 2023.

What does this have to do with Jayden Daniels?

The team that trades into the third overall spot assuming New England makes a trade, will affect where Daniels plays football in 2024. I think that the team trading into the third pick does so with the intent to draft a quarterback. The Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders are currently mentioned as potential movers to pick three.

Atlanta is extremely limited with Desmond Ridder, Minnesota needs a youth movement, and Daniels has a history with Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce from their time at Arizona State.

Another consideration is Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State. Several projections feature the receiver as the third overall pick. As such, Daniels potentially hears his name called on draft night sooner if New England trades down. Conversely, the Patriots might determine Harrison is too talented to pass up at pick three.

Ultimately, Jayden Daniels will not have to wait long to put on an NFL cap and jersey in round one. I cannot see a scenario where the reigning Heisman Trophy winner slips past the New York Giants at pick six. But there’s still plenty of time and events leading up to April’s draft. Thus, Daniels has multiple opportunities to prove himself as a better quarterback prospect than his peers and move up on draft boards.