Noted NFL Analyst Says Bucs’ QB Daniels Was One of His Favorite Players in 2026 Draft

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterback Jalon Daniels made quite a statement in the team's 24-16 victory over the New York Jets to open the preseason Friday night. Daniels thoroughly outplayed fellow QB Connor Bazelak and should be firmly ahead in the battle to be Tampa's QB3. Daniels was extremely impressive on Friday, leading the team to a win as part of a very successful debut. Daniels looked in control of the offense, making plays with both his arm and his legs. He scrambled for five yards on a third-and-4 and connected with wide receiver Garrett Greene for a 35-yard gain on third-and-13 from the Tampa 28. In the fourth quarter, Daniels and the offense marched down the field on a methodical 16-play, 65-yard drive that was punctuated by Daniels' one-yard touchdown plunge. That TD gave Tampa a 24-16 lead and was the last score of the game. Daniels would finish the game 10-for-15 for 111 yards and added three carries for nine yards, including his TD run. There were probably a lot of people surprised to see Daniels turn in such a terrific showing in his first taste of NFL game action. It is very likely that noted NFL analyst Greg Cosell was not one of them. Back in April, Cosell, who is widely respected for his football knowledge and his position as Senior Producer for NFL Films, sang Daniels' praises before the 2026 NFL Draft. "There's a quarterback I really like. I know he's not going to be drafted high. He's not a day 1 starter in the NFL. We're talking Jalon Daniels from Kansas." Cosell went on to talk about Daniels being a player he has watched plenty of tape on. He came away enamored with his talent and believes Daniels has a bright future in the NFL. "He's got innate understanding and feel for playing from the pocket. Even though he's very athletic, this is not a guy that runs around. He plays with poise and composure. Very good arm. He can make every throw...He's one of those guys; it would not surprise me, two, three years down the road...if Jalon Daniels is a starting quarterback in the National Football League." Cosell has worked in the NFL world for almost 50 years. Few analysts have been around as long as he has, making his opinion one that carries significant weight.  Proving Cosell Right One of Daniels' traits that Cosell is most impressed with is his pocket presence. It only took a single game for him to prove Cosell right. After Friday's game, Bucs' head coach Todd Bowles talked up Daniels. What did Bowles zero in on while praising Daniels? His poise and confidence playing in the pocket. Many quarterbacks with athleticism like Daniels play with more confidence in their legs than in their arm. If a QB has the ability to run, oftentimes he gives up on his progressions too early and takes off. Not Daniels. He is able to go through all of his progressions without tucking and running. It is a vital skill for a young, mobile quarterback to possess, and significantly raises Daniels' ceiling. Can he become a starter within 2-3 years? That remains to be seen. However, with all of the uncertainty still surrounding Baker Mayfield's future with the Bucs, Daniels looks like a great player to have around "just in case." Final Thoughts It is going to be very hard for Tampa to keep Daniels off its initial 53-man roster. Even though it is unlikely Daniels will pass Jake Browning for the QB2 job in the next month, he is a very talented player who at least one prominent analyst views as a potential starting QB. If Tampa does cut him, it is becoming more likely that another team could file a waiver claim before Daniels can be added to the practice squad. It is a risk the Bucs should strongly consider before making a final decision. Even though he has only one preseason game under his belt, Daniels is already flashing upside that makes it a solid bet that he will have a long NFL career.