Utah offensive lineman Braeden Daniels (71) stands on the sector throughout an NCAA faculty soccer recreation towards Washington State, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, in Pullman, Wash. Younger Kwak, Related Press
Braeden Daniels earned reward on the College of Utah for his capacity to guard the quarterback from a number of positions. Now, he’s taking his abilities to the NFL.
Daniels was chosen by the Washington Commanders within the fourth spherical (No. 118 total choose) of the 2023 NFL draft on Saturday.
Daniels got here to Utah from northeast Texas, the place he grew up taking part in basketball, baseball and soccer along with soccer.
His eclectic sports activities background contributed to his place flexibility on the soccer subject. He performed left and proper sort out as a senior in highschool after which each sort out and guard for Utah’s offense.
Within the leadup to the 2023 NFL draft, league specialists praised the 6-foot-3, 294-pound offensive lineman for his versatility and energy, noting that he ought to change into an asset for an NFL staff as he continues to develop.
What draft specialists mentioned about Braeden Daniels
“Daniels is an impactful down blocker with the quickness to deal with zone-blocking duties. Firing out and sustaining drive blocks, nonetheless, would require a lot better persistence and footwork to maintain from whiffing or falling off blocks. Small fingers stop him from latching in as a run blocker or in go safety, however flurrying fingers and a tenacious mirror assist him keep in entrance of rushers.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com.
“Daniels would require improvement time to refine his footwork and consistency to match up with NFL rushers, however he has the athletic twitch and flexibility to spice up an offensive line depth chart within the NFL. His expertise at a number of positions is a plus and he grades as a swing sort out/guard with down-the-road beginning upside.” — Dane Brugler, The Athletic.
“With the enhancements we’ve seen in his hand utilization over time — if that continues within the NFL, he has high-end potential.” — Michael Renner for Professional Soccer Focus.
What specialists mentioned concerning the choice
“May play OT or be an athletic guard on the subsequent degree. Loves quick-setting and getting DLs in a rush after the snap. Athletic specimen. Restoration ability is there. Has to get a lot stronger and does lean into a variety of his blocks, which hurts his stability. Early although.” — Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports activities.
“There have been guard-tackle questions with Daniels, who's undersized however athletically gifted. Washington might strive him at both spot, and he might be a pleasant slot in Eric Bieniemy’s offensive system at both.” — Eric Edholm, NFL.com.
Utah tackles and guards taken within the NFL draft up to now 20 years
Yr — Participant, Spherical, Choose No., Crew
2019 — Jackson Barton, Spherical 7, No. 240, Indianapolis Colts.
2017 — Sam Tevi, Spherical 6, No. 190, Los Angeles Chargers.
2017 — Isaac Asiata, Spherical 5, No. 164, Miami Dolphins.
2017 — Garett Bolles, Spherical 1, No. 20, Denver Broncos.
2015 — Jeremiah Poutasi, Spherical 3, No. 66, Tennessee Titans.
2012 — Tony Bergstrom, Spherical 3, No. 95, Oakland Raiders.
2011 — Caleb Schlauderaff, Spherical 6, No. 179, Inexperienced Bay Packers.
2010 — Zane Beadles, Spherical 2, No. 45, Denver Broncos.
2005 — Chris Kemoeatu, Spherical 6, No. 204, Pittsburgh Steelers.
2003 — Jordan Gross, Spherical 1, No. 8, Carolina Panthers.
2002 — Ed Ta’amu, Spherical 4, No. 132, Minnesota Vikings.