The Kansas standout is turning heads in rookie minicamp, utilizing his dual-threat ability and leadership to challenge for the backup role behind starter Baker Mayfield this season.
After a fifth-straight draft without the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selecting a quarterback, they added two players as UDFAs: Kansas' Jalon Daniels and Virginia's Chandler Morris.
Daniels, who was the Bucs' first announced signing post-draft, has been impressive in rookie minicamp, garnering real discussion about his potential role as Baker Mayfield's backup.
"Really excited to have [Jake Browning]. I would say it’s too early [to name a QB2]. We signed him to be our backup and we also signed Daniels to, you know, give competition and we really like [Connor Bazelak],” General Manager Jason Licht told the Pewter Report Podcast. “I think it’s going to be a good competition. We’ll see how it goes but I think it’s going to be a good competition. It’s always good to do that.
Of course, Browning has been the presumed second-string, signing a one-year deal in free agency.
But, Daniels' recent performance and dual threat ability may end up making this competition closer than most thought.
On Tuesday, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson was asked if any of the late signees had impressed him and the staff, soloing out Daniels.
"Jalon Daniels was a guy we were excited about. You know, we thought he was going to get drafted. We were really surprised he did not get drafted," Robinson said. "He was a guy we brought him in on a 30 visit and enjoyed spending time [with]. He's got great energy about him. He's played a lot of football as well, you know, at Kansas and he's had some ups and downs, faced some adversity, which you love to see from quarterbacks."
Daniels' experience and leadership make his rookie status just a name tag, as the four-time Kansas captain has now made a big impression.
"He sticks out. He's got really good arm talent. He's got some athleticism. He sees the game well. He processes. He’s got to clean up a lot of things fundamentally from college, which most of these guys do. Jalon I thought did a great job just commanding the rookie camp," Robinson said. "You know, these guys get in here and you got to have a quarterback that can take charge and get guys lined up. And he did a great job with just the operation. So, he was one that we're definitely excited about."
With Baker Mayfield and the team continuing to hollow out an extension, having young, competitive talent joining the QB room is an added benefit.
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