Buccaneers UDFA QB Jalon Daniels could steal the show at training camp

Baker Mayfield is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback that gets the bulk of the headlines, and rightfully so. But as training camp begins, Bucs fans might want to get familiar with another name: Jalon Daniels. 

Jalon Daniels could be the biggest star of Buccaneers training camp 

The Buccaneers signed Daniels out of Kansas as an undrafted free agent, and he wasted no time making his presence felt in Tampa Bay. 

General manager Jason Licht praised Daniels earlier this offseason, specifically highlighting his strong arm, athleticism, and leadership. 

Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson named Daniels the biggest standout among the team’s undrafted free agents during rookie minicamp, while quarterback coach Chandler Whitmer similarly had nothing but good things to say about his energetic approach. 

That positive energy has quickly become one of Daniels’ defining traits in Tampa Bay. During an interview with Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds as part of the outlet’s Camp Diary series, Daniels explained why he brings such passion and enthusiasm to Tampa Bay. 

"Playing at this level is literally a dream come true. So every single day that I wake up to be able to put on that Buccaneers logo, I go out there and do it with a smile. I do it 100% because I know that if I told my 17-year old self right now that we’ll be playing on the Buccaneers right now, I’m sure he’ll be smiling ear to ear like I am. So, I go out there every single day, give it give it 110% because you know it’s not promised to be able to be here. So, I don’t take any of this for granted. I don’t take it lightly. And at the end of the day, every day, I want to be able to not only be able to help myself grow but also help the ones around me grow. And when you’re bringing that positive energy every single day, it makes guys want to be able to go harder and harder every single day."

Jalon Daniels, via Pewter Report

Could Jalon Daniels win the Buccaneers’ backup QB competition? 

As a raw, developmental rookie, Daniels will have his work cut out for him if he wants to unseat Jake Browning as the backup quarterback behind Baker Mayfield. 

However, Daniels is already taking full advantage of the opportunity to learn from Mayfield and build a relationship with Tampa Bay’s franchise quarterback.

"I’m absolutely blessed to be in this position… Baker has been nothing short of amazing when it’s come to being able to help me in a lot of different areas. Like I told you, the quarterback room – they’ve welcomed me with open arms. And when I say that I mean that truly because, you know, I’m able to ask those questions. I’m able to see Baker go out there and be able to operate an offense."

Jalon Daniels, via Pewter Report

Beyond his magnetic personality and strong work ethic that have quickly made him a favorite within the organization, Daniels also brings a unique skill set to the quarterback competition. 

In 49 college games, Daniels completed 61.5% of his passes for 9,282 yards and 67 touchdowns. He also added 1,445 rushing yards and an impressive 23 touchdowns on the ground. 

Daniels’ dual-threat ability is what sets him apart from the other quarterbacks competing for the No. 2 spot behind Mayfield.

It’s clear the organization has already fallen in love with the young quarterback, but training camp will be his biggest test yet.

If he can continue to build on his development and win over his coaches and teammates throughout training camp and the preseason, he could make the backup quarterback competition far more interesting than anybody expected.

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