TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers looks on during the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers at Raymond James Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Jayden Daniels had a stellar season with the LSU Tigers in 2023, creeping up to win the Heisman Trophy ahead of the likes of some of the bigger names in NCAA football such as Michael Penix Jr. and Marvin Harrison Jr.
Now, he’s set to enter the pros and could be a top-5 draft pick. However, it’s reported that his camp does not want him to get drafted by the New England Patriots.
Patriots insider Phil Perry suggested as much in a piece for NBC Sports Boston, highlighting concerns over the former Tigers star possibly struggling to adapt to the colder conditions in New England.
“There are questions among NFL coaches as to how Daniels — who is from California and played at Arizona State and LSU — would adapt to the playing conditions in New England. It’s my understanding there are those in his camp who prefer Daniels doesn’t end up in the Northeast.”
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: There are some people within Jayden Daniels’ camp that don’t want him to be drafted by the #Patriots, per @PhilAPerry
“There are questions among NFL coaches as to how Daniels — who is from California and played at Arizona State and LSU — would adapt to the… pic.twitter.com/KmKwg9EnJF
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 5, 2024
In any case, the Patriots have the No. 3 overall pick this year and are reportedly keen on a QB. Should Daniels still be available when they’re on the board, he wouldn’t have a choice.
New England is also thought to have an interest in UNC’s Drake Maye, though Perry has implied that they would prefer Daniels. It will be interesting to see what happens when it’s their turn to make a selection in the first round.
