Mel Kiper Jr. says 1 QB can challenge Caleb Williams to be top pick in 2024

Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams has long been regarded as the top quarterback prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft. But he may have some competition for that spot.

Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates spoke for an ESPN show about the 2024 quarterback class. Yates asked Kiper if any QB might challenge Williams for the top spot.

Kiper said that Jayden Daniels is a player who is receiving lots of buzz.

“Jayden Daniels is red hot,” Kiper said. “For people to think that Caleb Williams is the only quarterback that could be QB 1 in this draft overall … that doesn’t mean he won’t be, but there’s by no means everybody in the league is ‘Caleb Williams is the guy and nobody else can touch him.’ Uh uh. That’s completely false. Let’s eliminate that right now. Because I’m hearing Jayden Daniels a lot.”

Kiper cautioned that we’re still only in December and there is plenty of time for things to change. But he made the point that it’s far from a certainty that Williams will be the first quarterback drafted.

Daniels is coming off a huge season for LSU in which he won the Heisman Trophy award. The transfer from Arizona State passed for 40 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions this season. He also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Daniels possesses the same dual-threat capabilities that have made Williams so desirable.

Not only has Daniels turned heads this season, but it’s also possible that the way Williams and USC finished the regular season might turn off some teams.