What makes Jayden Daniels “different” from other QB prospects?

In a draft class loaded with quarterback talent, the top three quarterback prospects — USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and UNC’s Drake Maye — are markedly different.

The Bears have long been expected to take Williams out first, with Daniels and Maye next being placed with either Washington (No. 2) or New England (No. 3).

Daniels, in particular, has long stood out for his explosive plays and ability to escape the open field. His deep ball accuracy is exceptional and his legs have been his get-out-of-jail-free card under pressure.

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner knows it’s his dual-threat abilities that set him apart from other players in the draft.

“Just my escape, man. My legs — I don’t know, God blessed me with those, so I have to keep using them,” Daniels said on Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson’s “Nightcap” podcast.

It’s those same legs that allowed Daniels to lead the nation in quarterback rushing yards, carrying the 23-year-old to 1,134 yards during his senior season.

And while his ability to move creatively around the field is an important facet of his game, Daniels’ arm talent shouldn’t be overlooked either. The FBS leader in passer rating threw 40 touchdowns last season with just four interceptions.

For Daniels, he says what sets him apart from other quarterbacks in the draft is his competitiveness.

“I’m a dog, man… my escape ability… you give me a lane, I could go 80 (yards)… it separates me,” Daniels said. “I mean, I know they all have high football IQs, but I will just say this dog in me… that’s all I know, you know, I grew up around football. I have always doubted, people still doubt me today. But I take this and add it to the fire.

In the months leading up to the draft, Daniels’ critics remained vocal about the 6-foot-4 quarterback’s physical build. Weighing just 210 pounds at LSU’s pro day, scouts are concerned about his durability.

Will his slender figure be able to withstand the brutal and repeated contact he will face in the pros?

According to Daniels, he has had several discussions with teams regarding his weight ahead of the 2024 season.

“Last year I was about 205, so they were like, ‘Okay, we want to gain weight gradually, but we’re not going to overload you so that your game starts to slip away,'” Daniels said.

Although Daniels didn’t go into detail about his diet, he admitted that he plans to “stay true to himself,” including maintaining his pregame omelet and waffle routine.

“I can get away with it a little bit. I still eat fast food to this day,” Daniels added.

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft will begin on April 25 at 8 p.m.