Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky: Jayden Daniels is best QB in 2024 NFL Draft class over Caleb Williams

USC’s Caleb Williams has long been seen as the favorite to be selected first overall in the NFL Draft — and the assumption is still that Chicago will select him. But if ESPN commentators Louis Riddick and Dan Orlovsky were running the Bears, there’d be a different name at that No. 1 spot.

The pair of NFL analysts joined GetUp on Thursday morning following Jayden Daniels‘ LSU pro day Wednesday to discuss his rise up their own QB rankings for this class. Riddick has had him No. 1 for a little while now and affirmed that opinion Thursday morning, dispelling concerns about the LSU star.

“Well, first and foremost, when you get up close with Jayden Daniels, you see that this is a guy who’s 6’4, almost 210 pounds. For everyone who’s concerned about his build, you need to stop being concerned, because his lower half, he’s put together well, like a 220-225 pounder.”

With the physical questions out of the way, Riddick went into Daniels’ ability under center and compared him to his favorite quarterback from the previous draft class.

“Now, as far as his movement, the way he threw it short, intermediate, deep; he is as fluid as any quarterback you’ve seen come out. He reminded me a lot yesterday of CJ Stroud when I went to his pro day. The ball absolutely explodes out of his hand, tight spiral, he can change speeds, change arm angles. He can put the ball right where it needs to be put both horizontally and vertically.”

After witnessing those traits in action, Riddick has no pause about his assertion that Daniels is the top prize in 2024.

“This is a guy who is locked in. For me, I said a couple weeks ago I thought this guy should be QB No. 1, but I just wanted to see him in person. After looking at him in person, there’s no doubt in my mind.”

Mike Greenberg then stepped in to give Riddick props for his Stroud takes last year, noting that folks ought to listen to his opinion on Daniels after that victory.

“I will remind everyone last year Louis Riddick said repeatedly on this show and everywhere else, he felt CJ Stroud was the best prospect in that class. You saw how that season played out. He feels the same way about Jayden Daniels.”

Dan Orlovsky then stepped in and agreed with Riddick all the way, especially with the Stroud comparison.

“I felt the same way. CJ has been the comp for me. I know how heavy that is because CJ just had the greatest rookie season arguably in the history of the NFL.”

Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback himself, noted that “it’s been the throwing motion that has stood out” when it comes to Daniels. With a series of questions he answered why that’s the case.

“I just want: who throws it the best? Like, who throws it the best in games? What guy makes the best decisions on a consistent basis? Who goes to the right place with the football on that consistent basis? Who throws the ball away from the defenders on a consistent basis in time, in rhythm, with anticipation? It’s Jayden.”

Orlovsky understands which abilities really carry a QB deep into their NFL career and he sees evidence of sustained future success in the pros for Jayden Daniels.

“That’s why we have gotten a little bit away from what we know to be the benchmarks of quarterback play in the NFL, the standards, what is needed to do it on an annual basis. When I watch Jayden this year, it was clear to me. I agree, the CJ Stroud throwing motion comp and the left arm being tight to his chest and the smooth element of it, that’s why I agree.”

Lastly, just on a personal level, Louis Riddick raves about Daniels the person and says that any team who puts their faith in him will be handsomely rewarded down the line.

“Invest in him, make sure you earn his trust, because he will pay it back tenfold with his play on the field and the way he’ll elevate his game both as a player and as a leader. People who I trust who know this kid the best said ‘look out for him in the next 2-3 years in the NFL. He’s going to take it by storm the same way CJ did in year one. They’re so similar to me.”

A CJ Stroud comparison certainly leaves some large shoes to be filled, but based on his tape in 2023, there’s no reason to think Jayden Daniels can’t make these prognostications from Orlovsky and Riddick come to fruition.