Giants, Vikings set visits with Jayden Daniels ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
The New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings are putting a couple more events on Jayden Daniels‘ schedule before the 2024 NFL Draft, his agent shared this week. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner will take a top-30 prospect visit to the New York Giants on Monday, before heading to D.C. to visit with the Washington Commanders. He also has a private meeting scheduled with the Vikings, who, according to Mel Kiper Jr’s latest mock draft, will trade up for a quarterback in the first round later this month.
The Minnesota Vikings are in need of a new franchise quarterback after the departure of Kirk Cousins. They picked up Sam Darnold in free agency, but many predict they’ll go for a younger QB in the draft. Daniels would fit the bill, however, it’s unlikely that either the Commanders or the Patriots would be willing to trade down when they, too, need a quarterback. The New York Giants have the No. 6 pick in the draft.
The deadline for teams to bring prospects in to their own facilities before the draft is on April 17. After that deadline, teams can still meet with the potential draftees elsewhere until April 24, the day before the draft.
In Kiper’s latest mock, the Commanders select Daniels with the No. 2 pick, then the Patriots take Drake Maye of UNC, the Cardinals take Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 4, and then the Vikings trade up to five for J.J. McCarthy.
Daniels won the Heisman Trophy this past season over the other finalists because of what he did with both his arm and his legs. The 23-year-old threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also ran for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. His performance shot him to the top of the draft boards, and even has him in consideration for the No. 1 overall pick, though most believe the Bears will select Caleb Williams.
Daniels shoots down rumors of preference for New England
A report surfaced on Tuesday that the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner would prefer to go to the New England Patriots, who have the No. 3 overall pick, after prior meetings with the Commanders “didn’t go as smoothly,” according to reporter Evan Silva. Silva cited “rumors” for the claim. The primary source spoke out about that errant report, however, via social media.
Daniels tweeted on Tuesday night, “Looking forward to my upcoming visits. Glad to be home,” in direct response to Silva’s report. The former LSU star is fresh off of his top-30 visit with the Patriots. They also hosted quarterback Drake Maye in the last week. Like the Commanders, the Patriots also have a first-year head coach for the 2024 season – Jerod Mayo.