Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels is turning heads in Tampa Bay, showcasing elite arm strength and dual-threat mobility as he battles seasoned veterans for a roster spot.
Jalon Daniels is adapting to an unfamiliar offensive scheme in the pros, and he's progressing in every practice, impressing Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
Robinson has watched the undrafted rookie make various throws in the pocket or on the run. He praised Daniels' arm strength, saying it's one of the better ones he's been around. That's coming from a coach who mentored Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams from 2021 to 2023.
The former Kansas Jayhawk ended his collegiate career as arguably the second greatest quarterback in the school's history. He finished second in passing yards (9,282), passing touchdowns (67), pass attempts (1,194), pass completions (734) and is tied for the most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (23).
He became one of two Jayhawks to accumulate 10,000 or more career yards, joining Todd Reesing, who played at Kansas from 2006 to 2009.
His rushing ability is part of what makes him a dynamic threat on the field, but Robinson wants the 23-year-old to find a balance between going through his reads in the pocket and extending plays with his legs.
"Play within the scheme, play within the timing and the rhythm of the offense, get the ball where it needs to go, and then if it does break down, that's where you use your god-given ability and make a play," Robinson said after Tuesday night's practice.
Daniels is part of an intriguing position battle in Tampa Bay. He is competing with veteran Jake Browning and second-year player Connor Bazelak for the backup spot.
It's an uphill struggle standing at 6 feet. Outplaying Bazelak is the first step for the former Jayhawk, as he was the third quarterback as an undrafted rookie.
Bazelak has more of a pocket presence, and that's all. Back in his college playing days with Bowling Green, he threw for 3,044 yards and 18 touchdowns in his sixth year.
Browning is the most experienced of the trio. He's most likely the favorite candidate for the backup position with stints as a starter for the Cincinnati Bengals when Joe Burrow was injured.
Daniels has the rushing advantage over both competitors, having rushed for over 400 yards four times in college.
Training camp will be the start of the competition, but preseason is when plays are put on the field and execution matters the most. Daniels is steadily improving in each practice session, adjusting to the speed and patience required to become a high-level quarterback.
