Jayden Daniels Appreciates Comparison to Ravens' 'GOAT' Lamar Jackson
The latest hoister of Heisman glory is honored to have a more modern name attached to him, one well-known to Baltimore Ravens fans.
Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels had a chance to address comparisons between himself and reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson during his public comments at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week. Some have disputed Jackson's claim to the award, but Daniels is far from one of them.
“Lamar is a great player," Daniels said, per Nick Goss of NBC Sports Boston. "I don’t like to compare myself to anybody, but there are some similarities. What he’s doing, he’s playing at a very high level, so kudos to him. He’s the GOAT of this running and throwing, and I’m just following suit behind.”
It's easy to see why Daniels and Jackson have drawn links: the two have made names for themselves through deadly dual-threat antics. Daniels was responsible for 50 total touchdowns in the latter of two seasons starting in Baton Rouge while Jackson had 24 passing scores and helped guide Baltimore's medically-depleted run game to the top of the NFL.
Once he suits up, however, Daniels will look to establish his own identity, believing he began to do so with the Tigers by succeeding with his relatively slim stature.
“I embrace who I am. I’m not the biggest guy, but it works for me," Daniels said when asked to address concerns about his size. "I can't change it. God blessed me with this frame for a reason, so why go out there and complain about it?”
Fortunately for the Ravens, Daniels probably won't be making his way to the AFC North: competitors Cincinnati and Cleveland are set for the future with Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson respectively in tow while Daniels will more than likely be off the board by the time the offensively-challenged Pittsburgh Steelers go on the clock at 20th overall.
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held on April 25-27 in Detroit.
