As the NFL Draft approaches, it’s inevitable that various quirks and anecdotes surrounding the top prospects become subjects of scrutiny.
Recently, a still frame of LSU Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels’ right throwing elbow has sparked debate among enthusiasts. Rather than relying on amusing Twitter profiles, Dr. David Chao, with 17 years of NFL experience as a head team physician, offers valuable insights. Medical red flags are subjective, with each of the 32 teams forming slightly varying opinions on a player’s clearance.
Take Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., for instance, who despite past ACL tears, exhibited strong performance at the Combine.
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In Daniels’ case, concerns over his elbow seem unfounded, possibly stemming from peculiar lighting, camera angles, and timing. Daniels himself has dismissed any notion of a problem with his throwing arm, putting to rest the speculation.
While reactions to Daniels’ elbow have been amusing, it’s becoming an unnecessary subplot in the pre-draft narrative. Nonetheless, addressing the issue before team visits was a prudent move on his part.
Currently, Daniels is poised to be selected second overall by the Washington Commanders, although rumors surrounding Michigan QB JJ McCarthy could lead to a draft night surprise.
The notion of McCarthy to Washington isn’t implausible. His experience in a pro-style offense and track record as a “winner” align with the Commanders’ new regime. McCarthy fits the mold of a “game manager” with a strong arm, akin to Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy.
Meanwhile, Daniels, while talented, exhibits some recklessness when running, and Maye, another contender, lacks refined footwork and fundamentals. Comparisons to top quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Josh Allen are unfair to Maye, suggesting that expecting him to lead a franchise immediately may be unrealistic.
However, Daniels’ draft stock remains unaffected by elbow concerns. His impressive stats from last season demonstrate his prowess as a passer and runner, making him a formidable prospect for any team.