Hidden gem quarterback with arm talent ‘to rival NFL Draft best’ emerges on Chiefs radar

Jalon Daniels’ college coach has told NFL teams not to sleep on the dual-threat quarterback in April’s draft.

A three-star prospect, he spent six years with the Kansas Jayhawks and has worked with veteran coach Jim Zebrowski since 2021.

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There is no doubting the elite physical tools, but injuries and inconsistent form mean he is considered a raw prospect.

Daniels had a career-highs in yards (2,531) and passing touchdowns (22) in 2025, and added four scores on the ground.

Having worked closely with the player, Zebrowski is a massive fan and thinks his protege could prove a steal if he is allowed to develop in the right system.

“What I enjoyed the most of him was his, two things. One was his personality. He’s like very high energy, positive, upbeat dude. That was great,” he said on a media call discussing the Jayhawks’ upcoming trip to the UK for the Union Jack Classic.

“And I love that, Jayden walked in the room and he’s like, ‘What’s up coach Z? What’s up Jay?’ And like, ‘Love you coach, love you Jay.’ And the relationship was awesome.

“And then from his ability level, he’d make so many unique plays that other people sometimes can’t make. He’d do some things that are really great, really unique. And so loose and made some unbelievable throws with his arm talent.

“That was two things that were like, just stood out. And that’s why you knew he’d have a chance. I think he’ll have a chance the next level, if given the opportunity.

“And you hope that he’s a great example, if I give him the opportunity next level to compete, hopefully he gets a chance to kind of sit there for a little bit and learn some tactics.

“I think he’s got as good a, he’s got as much arm talent as most people in the draft. Now it’s just a matter of getting in the right situation, the right fit and learning and seeing what happens.”

Sitting was the done thing back in the day and it worked out fine for Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes.

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Daniels is a projected day three pick, although some have him pegged as a late day two flier and a dream scenario could land him close to home after working out for the Kansas City Chiefs at their ‘local pro day.’

If Mahomes‘ injury keeps him out Week 1, the Jayhawks alum — also on the New England Patriots’ radar after a top 30 visit — could wind up as Justin Fields‘ backup.

The presumed No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza is also likely to find himself on the bench after the Las Vegas Raiders signed Kirk Cousins on a deal that is effectively worth $20 million in 2026.

Zebrowski — a former college QB with three decades of coaching experience — spent time in Wisconsin and thinks young QBs should be given time to learn the ropes.

“I think sitting is the best thing. I’m a big, I lived in Wisconsin for like eight years. I became a Packer from Cleveland, sorry Browns fans, even though they’re not very good most of the time, I still love them,” he told talkSPORT.

“They’re my guys, but I lived in Wisconsin for eight years, my wife and I and kids. As I coached with Lance, our head coach there for a couple of years in Wisconsin, Whitewater. And then I was the head coach at a small school. So became a Packers fan.

“I was so impressed by how they’ve done it and how successful those quarterbacks have been. And all three of those guys have sat, you know, Brett Favre sat, Aaron Rodgers sat, Jordon Love sat. And I know everybody kind of got nervous about that pick.

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“I remember when they picked him and I was like, oh my God, they picked a quarterback and the Aaron Rodgers needs to help the receiver and blah, blah, blah. Now look what it is.

“Like that program, that group, that team has done a little bit of that. So I think it’s in everyone’s best interest. If you can sit. Unfortunately, when you pay a lot of money, I think they kind of think they have to play them.

“That’s hard. It’s the same game, but it’s a different game. I think it’s good to be able to sit back and let that thing work for a year or two.

Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall and Chase Jenkins are bidding for the Jayhawks QB jersey in 2026 and the winner will get to take part in a historic matchup with Arizona State at London’s Wembley Stadium.

The teams will take part in what will be the first college football game to be played in the United Kingdom

Tickets to watch the Jayhawks and Sun Devils in the inaugural Union Jack Classic on Saturday September 19 can be purchased now via the Union Jack Classic website