The Pittsburgh Steelers have a unique opportunity to evaluate potential talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, particularly when it comes to selecting a quarterback. While many analysts believe that the quarterback class is not as strong as previous years, there may be hidden gems available for teams willing to take a calculated risk. One such player who could be worth considering is Jalon Daniels, a quarterback from the University of Kansas.
Who Is Jalon Daniels?
Jalon Daniels stands at 6 feet 5/8 inches tall and weighs 219 pounds. He has demonstrated impressive athleticism on the field, with a 4.65-second 40-yard dash time. His physical attributes make him a dual-threat quarterback, capable of both passing and running effectively. Despite his athletic ability, Daniels is projected to be selected in the seventh round or potentially go undrafted, which makes him an intriguing option for the Steelers if they are looking for value in the later rounds.
Strengths of Jalon Daniels
There are several strengths that make Jalon Daniels a compelling prospect:
- Good arm strength: Daniels has shown the ability to throw with power and accuracy, making him a viable option in the passing game.
- Athletic, dual-threat upside: His combination of speed and agility allows him to extend plays and make plays with his legs when necessary.
- Quick release: This trait helps him avoid pressure and get the ball out quickly, which is essential in the NFL.
- Throws a nice deep ball: Daniels has the arm strength and accuracy to make big plays downfield.
Concerns About Jalon Daniels
Despite his strengths, there are some concerns that the Steelers should consider:
- Struggles in recognizing coverages: Daniels has shown inconsistency in reading defensive schemes, which can lead to turnovers.
- Ball security issues: He has had a history of fumbling, which is a critical concern for any quarterback.
- Intermediate accuracy needs work: While he can make deep throws, his accuracy on shorter passes requires improvement.
- Major injury history: Daniels has dealt with significant injuries over the years, including a shoulder injury in 2022, a back injury in 2023, and a knee injury in 2025. These injuries could raise questions about his durability and long-term potential.
Performance Stats
Over his college career from 2020 to 2025, Jalon Daniels has accumulated the following statistics:
- 2020: 718 passing yards, one touchdown, four interceptions, 50.0% completion, 86.6 passer rating
- 2021: 860 passing yards, seven touchdowns, three interceptions, 69.2% completion, 145.6 passer rating
- 2022: 2,014 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, four interceptions, 66.1% completion, 162.0 passer rating
- 2023: 705 passing yards, five touchdowns, one interception, 74.7% completion, 173.0 passer rating
- 2024: 2,454 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 57.0% completion, 133.1 passer rating
- 2025: 2,531 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 62.1% completion, 147.1 passer rating
In addition to his passing stats, Daniels also rushed for 1,445 yards and 23 touchdowns between 2020 and 2025, showcasing his versatility as a playmaker.
Highlights
Jalon Daniels has had moments throughout his college career that highlight his potential as a future NFL quarterback. His ability to make plays with his legs and arm sets him apart from many other prospects in the 2026 class.
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