Kansas dual-threat quarterback Jalon Daniels missed out on a sparkling end to his career as a Jayhawk, but his spring pre-draft outlook has only soared since he declared for the NFL Draft at the conclusion of the 2025 season. On Friday, multiple outlets reported that the New England Patriots are slated to host Daniels on a top-30 visit.
Yep, Daniels might just have an honest shot at the league after all. His career ended with a 17-14 fourth-quarter lead squandered against Utah at home in the regular-season finale, but the months since have been largely productive for the Lawndale, California, native and six-year Kansas gunslinger.
Daniels impressed at the Shrine Bowl, and later record a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine earlier this year. Daniels also received the 2025 Pop Warner College Football Award and was previously the 2023 Big 12 Preseason Player of the year.
But the Patriots, which already have Drake Maye and prospective backup Tommy Devito in hand, are giving Daniels an honest look as a possible project.
Daniels threw for 9,282 career yards, 67 touchdowns and 31 interceptions as a Jayhawk, and, despite missing considerable action due to multiple injuries to his shoulder in 2022 and again with his back in 2023, was a major factor in lifting Kansas out of the shadows.
Even so, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein panned Daniels with the following review on Daniels’ official combine profile:
“Sixth-year senior who was unable to live up to the promise shown earlier in his career. Daniels hasn’t shown the ability to consistently dissect defenses and win with accuracy from the pocket. He has a decent arm but lacks consistent mechanics, timing and three-level ball placement. The vast majority of his interceptions were due to a lack of coverage recognition. Daniels’ running ability helps, but he appears ill-prepared for an NFL passing game.”
Zierlein ultimate labeled two strengths in Daniels – arm talent and his potential in the design-run game – that likely won him some favor with a few scouts in the wild. And, obviously, the Patriots are one of those franchises that feel he’s still got a ceiling.
While Daniels isn’t going to step into the league as a day-one starter, he’s far from out of the picture when it comes to opportunities. Even as an undrafted free agent, Daniels can get his chance to make an NFL roster and prove a couple of those scouts wrong.
