One of the most anticipated Pro Days of the pre-NFL Draft process will take place Wednesday at LSU, where elite prospects including quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. will demonstrate their abilities in front of coaches, executives, and scouts.
The New England Patriots will be heavily represented in Baton Rouge, with head coach Jerod Mayo, de facto general manager Eliot Wolf, and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt all present. Mayo is one of six head coaches expected to attend.
Daniels will allegedly throw on Wednesday but will not participate in any other drills, including the 40-yard sprint. He did not throw during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month. Daniels has shot up draft boards in the last year, courtesy to an unexpected Heisman Trophy-winning season in 2023.
Nabers is the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2024 class, trailing Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, Nabers spoke with numerous teams on Tuesday, including the Patriots, and plans to run the 40 and routes Wednesday.
Daniels might finish as high as second overall to the Washington Commanders. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated stated last week on NBC Sports Boston’s Arbella Early Edition that “the more I’ve started to ask around, the more it seems like Jayden Daniels is probably the leader in the clubhouse to be a Commander.”
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots will be among many clubs to visit with Daniels following his Pro Day on Wednesday.
Nabers might also be a top five pick. The Arizona Cardinals have the fourth pick and need a wide receiver. They could have to decide between Nabers and Harrison. Thomas is expected to be taken in the 10-20 area in the first round. The Cincinnati Bengals, who hold the No. 18 pick, might be an enticing destination for Thomas if they don’t believe star wideout Tee Higgins will stay with the organization long term.
The Patriots control the third pick in the first round and the second pick (34th overall) in the second round.