ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Says LSU’s Jayden Daniels is Being Talked About as First Pick Ahead of Caleb Williams

Mel Kiper has sparked intrigue about April’s NFL Draft with recent comments on this season’s Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. While many believe that Caleb Williams is the consensus number one pick, Kiper does not believe that to be true. Kiper’s recent comments insinuate that some teams have Daniels ranked above Williams as their top pick and QB1 for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Caleb Williams Might Not Be ‘The Guy’ According to Kiper

Mel Kiper’s insight sheds light on the complexities of the draft process. “Everybody in the league thinks Caleb Williams is the guy, and nobody else can touch that. That’s completely false, Jayden Daniels is red hot,” he remarks, debunking the idea of a clear-cut top pick. This statement underlines the fluid nature of NFL Draft predictions and the importance of considering a wider range of talents.

Caleb Williams is an AWESOME prospect

I think the thing #bears fans that want him are missing is that he is NOT the “CLEAR CUT #1 GUY” they all seem to swear he is

Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye are battling for that top spot and we have a LONG way to go till draft day pic.twitter.com/UQodNHvKtm

— Swift Sports Network (@SwiftyNetwork) December 28, 2023

Daniels’ remarkable season at LSU, culminating in a Heisman Trophy, has undoubtedly catapulted him into the limelight. This season’s performance has seemingly captivated the attention of scouts and analysts alike. His ability to maintain this high level of performance while minimizing turnovers is particularly noteworthy.

Caleb Williams had already set a high bar with his performance at USC earning him the Heisman last season. His leadership in turning around the program and his resilience through injury have been commendable. Williams’ potential return to college football next season only adds to the anticipation of his eventual draft year.

Bears Likely Have Decision to Make

Kiper also brings Drake Maye into the conversation, highlighting the UNC quarterback’s potential to challenge for the top spot. The race for QB1 is not just a two-horse race but involves several talented players, each bringing their unique strengths to the table.

As the Chicago Bears prepare for their likely first pick, the decision becomes more complex with such a deep pool of talent. The draft process is not just about selecting the best player available; it’s about finding the right fit for the team’s specific needs and future plans. Kiper’s insights offer a more nuanced view of the draft landscape, where predictions and preferences can shift as more information and performances come to light.