Jalon Daniels Turns Heads at Shrine Bowl, Adds Intrigue to 2026 NFL Draft Stock
Jalon Daniels made the most of his spotlight at the 101st East-West Shrine Bowl earlier this week, giving NFL scouts a fresh reminder of why he’s one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class. The former Kansas signal-caller, who spent six seasons in Lawrence, brought his dual-threat skill set to center stage in Frisco, Texas-and left with some well-earned buzz.
Lining up for the East team, Daniels delivered exactly what you want to see from a quarterback in a pre-draft showcase: poise, playmaking, and a little bit of flair. Late in the first half, he engineered a scoring drive that capped off with a scramble touchdown-one of those instinctive, make-something-out-of-nothing plays that’s become his calling card. It was a momentum-shifting moment that had the East sideline fired up and gave scouts a taste of his athletic upside.
But Daniels wasn’t done. He followed that up with a sharp throw to the back of the end zone for a two-point conversion, flashing the kind of arm talent that keeps defenses honest. It was a sequence that showcased both his mobility and his ability to make throws on the move-traits that are increasingly valuable in today’s NFL.
While the East squad ultimately fell short, losing 21-17 to the West, Daniels made a strong case for himself. He didn’t just show up-he stood out.
Now, as we inch closer to the 2026 NFL Draft, Daniels remains one of the true wild cards in the quarterback class. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, he’s currently projected as a sixth-round pick. But performances like this could nudge him up some boards, especially for teams looking to develop a backup with upside.
There’s already some chatter about potential fits, and the Philadelphia Eagles have emerged as one team that makes sense. With Jalen Hurts entrenched as the starter, Philly might be one of those organizations willing to invest in a similarly styled quarterback to groom behind him. Daniels, like Hurts, brings mobility, toughness, and the ability to extend plays outside the pocket.
Of course, there are still questions. Evaluators remain split on how Daniels’ physical tools translate to the pro level.
His athleticism and ability to launch deep balls with velocity are undeniable-when his mechanics are right, he can stretch defenses vertically with ease. But inconsistencies in his short and intermediate passing game, particularly under pressure, have raised red flags.
There’s also the matter of his injury history, which has been a recurring concern throughout his college career.
Still, there’s no denying the upside. Daniels has the kind of traits that can’t be taught-quick feet, a quick release, and the ability to make something happen when a play breaks down. For teams looking to add a developmental quarterback with a high ceiling, he’s a name worth circling.
He may not be a Day 1 pick, but after his Shrine Bowl performance, Jalon Daniels reminded everyone why he’s still very much in the draft conversation.