Jalon Daniels, a former quarterback at Kansas, is making a compelling case for a spot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' roster after his impressive performances in the preseason. As an undrafted free agent, Daniels entered the NFL without guarantees but has quickly showcased his skills in two games.
In his first two appearances, Daniels completed 19 of 29 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 26 yards and another touchdown. His latest outing was in a close 16-15 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he completed 9 of 14 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown, contributing significantly to the Buccaneers' comeback after trailing at halftime.
Daniels began his preseason with a solid performance against the New York Jets, completing 10 of 15 passes for 111 yards in a 24-16 win. His dual-threat capability, which made him a standout at Kansas, is evident as he continues to adapt to the NFL level.
Despite his success, there are still aspects of his game that require improvement. Daniels has primarily operated from the shotgun formation, making the transition to taking snaps under center a challenge. Additionally, enhancing his downfield accuracy and ball security will be crucial for his development.
The Buccaneers may face a tough decision regarding Daniels' future on the team. If he does not make the 53-man roster, other NFL teams could be interested in acquiring him, given his potential as a backup quarterback behind starter Baker Mayfield.
