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Daniel Kelly

Daniel spent four years in pro scouting with the New York Jets and brings vast experience scouting pro and college talent. He is the published author of the book "Whatever It Takes," and he's written for a number of publications, including Sports Illustrated Jets, Lions, and 49ers. Daniel has additionally been a guest on Fox Sports Radio and ESPN Radio. He's the Scouting Director at firstroundmock.com and he's a contributing writer for Yardbarker. If you wish to contact him, his email is whateverittakesbook@gmail.com

Scout's view: The top receiver in the NFL Draft isn't who you think

Here are the top three receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft, set for April 25-27 in Detroit. 

Scout's view: Is North Carolina QB Drake Maye a top-five NFL Draft pick?

Drake Maye, Drake Maye, Drake Maye — we will be hearing about him ad infinitum heading into the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 in Detroit.

Scout's view: Game film reveals what Bears should do with Justin Fields

This NFL scout found Fields' tapes laced with breathtaking plays and "what are you thinking?" moments.

Scout's view: Is Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy a first-round draft pick?

Full disclosure: I'm not high on Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy as a draft prospect.

Scout's view: Is Washington's Michael Penix Jr. a can't-miss first-round pick?

Daniel Kelly spent four years in pro scouting with the New York Jets. He is the published author of the book "Whatever It Takes," the story of a fan making it into the NFL.

Scout's view: Is Heisman winner Jayden Daniels a first-round pick?

QB Jayden Daniels had a great season at LSU, culminating in winning the Heisman Trophy — college football's most prestigious individual award. However, having success in college doesn't always equal success in the NFL. 

Scout's view: Heisman Trophy finalist Bo Nix comparable to this NFL QB

Oregon QB Bo Nix — one of four finalists for the Heisman Trophy — reminds me of Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings QB with impressive statistics but no Super Bowl rings.

Scout's view: Is Sam Howell the answer at QB for Commanders?

Sam Howell leads the NFL with 3,339 yards passing, but is he as good as his raw stats indicate?

Scout's view: Why Packers should stick with Jordan Love

Following in the footsteps of Hall of Famer Brett Favre and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, as Jordan Love has for the Green Bay Packers, would be daunting for almost any quarterback. Clearly, Love has struggled at times, but the third-year quarterback's play overall isn't as bad as some might believe.

Scout's view: Does Cowboys' Dak Prescott merit a contract extension?

Cowboys ownership seems intent on getting an extension done, but does Prescott deserve it?

Scout's view: What makes Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa so special

Tagovailoa is a great fit for Miami  — a perfect marriage of team, player and head coach (the ingenious Mike McDaniel). It's a combination that promises to have Miami knocking on the door of this season's Super Bowl. 

Scout's view: What makes 49ers QB Brock Purdy elite

Watching San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy play this season is like watching poetry in motion.

Scout's view: Why QB Kenny Pickett isn't 'the guy' for Steelers

Much of the blame for Pittsburgh's woes is attributed to offensive coordinator Matt Canada, but there's only so much Canada can do with Kenny Pickett at quarterback. 

Scout's view: While C.J. Stroud sizzles, Bryce Young fizzles — should the Panthers be worried?

QB Bryce Young, the No. 1 pick overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, has been one of my more difficult evaluations — both at Alabama and in the NFL. It only gets murkier when you compare him to the player selected immediately after him.

Scout's view: Is Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence really a 'once-in-a-generation' QB?

The arrow is pointing down for Lawrence, who will get stuck with a "bust" label rather than "once in a generation" if he doesn't turn his game around soon. 

Scout's view: What should we expect from Bengals QB Joe Burrow?

After back-to-back trips to the AFC Championship Game and a Super Bowl appearance, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow finds himself in unfamiliar territory as the league's 30th-ranked QB.

Scout's view: Does a trade for Vikings' Kirk Cousins make sense for QB-needy Jets?

With Aaron Rodgers out, many are calling the New York Jets to trade for Kirk Cousins with the Minnesota Vikings off to an 0-2 start. Does a trade make sense?

Scout's view: What game film reveals about Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders' NFL prospects

Although he has his dad's pizzazz, Shedeur Sanders didn't get his afterburners.

Scout's view: A preseason report card for first-round QBs and more

With the NFL preseason in the books, here's my assessment of three first-round rookie quarterbacks and two other rookie QBs who caught my eye.

Scout's view: Is Malik Willis good enough to be Tennessee Titans QB2?

Breaking down the developmental progress of Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.

Scout's view: 49ers' Trey Lance is fool's gold, but he's not solely to blame

49ers QB/lightning rod Trey Lance struggled mightily in his preseason debut Sunday, a fact that doesn't surprise me at all. The third-year QB, however, is not solely to blame for his struggles.

Scout's view: Three non-first-round rookie QBs to watch this week

With preseason football in full swing, attention has rightfully focused on the rookie quarterbacks drafted in the first round, but three other QBs have also captured my attention. Each was drafted in the lower rounds. All three play for franchises featuring veteran starters.

Scout's view: Rookie QB an outstanding bargain-bin pickup for Patriots

Every year there's an unheralded NFL rookie who seemingly comes out of nowhere. This season that player may be the New England Patriots' Malik Cunningham.

Scout's view: First impressions of Bryce Young and other touted rookie QBs

Four rookie quarterbacks made their anticipated debuts over the weekend. Here's a look at what we saw from each one.

Scout's view: How this fabulous NFL prospect compares to Gronk

Brock Bowers reminds some of Rob Gronkowski, the best tight end of the 21st century and maybe the best of all time.