Buccaneers Rookie Jalon Daniels is Creating a Big QB Problem

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Quarterback Jalon Daniels has taken Tampa Bay by storm.
The undrafted Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie has been on full display against the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs.
Daniels has shown out in his limited action by completing 19 of 29 passes (65.5%) for 182 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. He's also added another 26 yards on the ground with a trip to the end zone.
Daniels was already thought to have surpassed Connor Bazelak for third on the depth chart after his performance against the Jets, but he is now playing at such a high level that it's creating a bit of an issue in the quarterback room.
Daniels Making Decisions Difficult For Bucs
Daniels' stats aren't out of this world by any means, but it's what he has shown outside of those numbers that is drawing the attention of his teammates, coaches, front office and fans.
His efficiency, comfort level, poise in the pocket, tight-window throws and decision-making have been on full display early in his career. And while there are still things he needs to improve or learn, he is clearly looking like a guy who can make it in this league.
Daniels' play has reiterated head coach Todd Bowles' statements of there indeed being a QB battle on the Bucs' hands.
With Jake Browning being signed this offseason to provide a better schematic fit and veteran presence behind Baker Mayfield, it was thought that he would be handed those backup keys with no such competition.

That is no longer the case with the emergence of Daniels through camp and the preseason.
Browning did okay in his first preseason action as a Buccaneer. However, the thing with Browning is that there could be a limited upside to having him in the game.
Whereas with Daniels, the upside seems almost unlimited given what he has shown, the ability to use his legs and the ceiling of development that is still there considering how fresh he is into the NFL.
While Daniels' emergence has definitely created a problem when it comes to the state of the QB room, it's a good one to have if you're the Bucs.
It's been a while since they have had much excitement outside of the starter, so having a guy like Daniels could set them up for the future if he can continue to develop.
The Bucs have been synonymous with carrying two quarterbacks on their roster in recent years, but they may have to take a different approach this go-around and keep three to avoid losing Daniels to another team via waivers.
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Caleb is from Nashville, TN and graduated from Florida State University in 2018 with majors in Sociology and History. He has previously written for an FSU outlet and started covering the Buccaneers in March of 2022. Caleb is an avid sports fan and former host of the Tribeoholics podcast. You can follow Caleb on Twitter @chsnole
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