NFL Rumors: Jayden Daniels, Raiders' Mutual Interest Is League's 'Worst-Kept Secret'

2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels is widely expected to be a top-three pick in Thursday's NFL draft, but he reportedly would have loved the chance to be selected by a team further down the list.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported that Daniels, who is expected to be the No. 2 pick by the Washington Commanders, has close ties to the Las Vegas Raiders, who own the No. 13 pick.

"The worst-kept secret in the league right now is that Daniels and the Las Vegas Raiders desire one another," Jones stated. "Antonio Pierce was with Daniels at Arizona State, and sources say Pierce would love to have Daniels in Las Vegas."

It's not likely that Daniels will try to create a controversial situation and force his way to the Raiders. As one of the former LSU quarterback's representatives said last week, "Wherever he is drafted he will be happy to be a part of that organization."

B/R's NFL Scouting Department predicted in its latest mock draft that the Commanders wouldn't pass up on the opportunity to draft Daniels at No. 2. Bringing his dual-threat skills to a Washington offense that is now led by new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury would be a solid fit for Daniels as he begins his NFL career.

While the Raiders likely won't have a shot at Daniels, they are still believed to be in the quarterback market. However, Jones noted that "sources find it hard to believe Las Vegas would deal up from No. 13 for any other quarterback."

The Raiders were projected to use their No. 13 pick on Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu and then trade back into the first round to select Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 21 in B/R's mock draft.

Only time will tell if Las Vegas is able to land its quarterback of the future in this year's draft, but it's clear that it will take a miracle for Daniels to land in Sin City.