The best way to win your fantasy football league these days is to find a quarterback who can do everything. Think Josh Allen (Bills) or Lamar Jackson (Ravens), and, to a lesser degree, Jalen Hurts (Eagles).
Six quarterbacks went in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, including the top three picks. All could be considered dual-threat quarterbacks, but one stands clearly above the rest: Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders.
As fantasy drafts take place across the country, players are formulating their strategies.
Where does Daniels rank among fantasy quarterbacks?
According to Marcas Grant of NFL.com, Daniels is going in the 12th round or later of fantasy drafts, which sounds crazy, considering the upside.
If you’re living in the dynasty streets, it’s hard to argue against Caleb Williams being the top rookie signal-caller. If you’re looking for the first-year Pick to Click in redraft leagues, it’s Daniels.
Why? Rushing upside. It’s the reason fantasy folks were so high on Anthony Richardson last year. It’s the reason people are still taking late-round dart throws at Justin Fields this year — y’know, just in case. Daniels rushed for more than 2,700 yards over his final three college seasons, including more than 1,100 in his final year at LSU. He’s a more polished passer than those other two quarterbacks were when entering the league. Plus, he’ll have Terry McLaurin getting downfield in Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense. That’s enough to believe he can far outperform his QB20 average draft position (ADP).
You could make the case that Daniels is the better dynasty option, too. Sure, the Bears have more immediate weapons for Williams, but Daniels’ supporting cast is vastly underrated.
Daniels has looked phenomenal in training camp. Sure, that doesn’t mean anything until the games begin, but it’s better to be early than late when it comes to drafting Daniels in fantasy football.
