Mike Reiss: Eliot Wolf handling GM duties without the title

On Thursday's edition of Zolak & Bertrand, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com called in to explain how Eliot Wolf has been handling GM duties without the title.

Scott Zolak: Have you heard anything about the process? You know, last time we talked to you, we talked about the front office and we were all there when Jerod got hired at the press conference. Matt Groh was going to be here. Eliot Wolf is going to be here. It looks like Eliot or. Matt Groh is down at the Senior Bowl this week, which means he's not doing the interviews unless he's on zoom, and since they're in-person I'm sure it would just be in-person type things. Is there anybody else in the room with Mayo? Are you hearing anything?

Mike Reiss: Good question Zo and I think it's important. To me, and this is my view of it and I don't know if the team would agree with it or not. But I think Eliot Wolf is a key name here, and he is the director of scouting. He's the son of the Pro Football Hall of Famer Ron Wolf. I believe that he's positioned himself here as a key guy, almost like the general manager without the title. I got to tell you guys, I mean, depending on who you talk to around the league, like this is a very well respected front office person.

Came up through the Packers. Good organization, good system. You see what they've done as they've sort of transitioned from Farve to Rodgers to Love. Like there's a lot to like there. If my read on this is correct, that he's in there with Jerod Mayo in these interviews, I actually think that if you're a fan following the team, I would think that would be something you might feel good about. The fact that he wasn't at the Senior Bowl, though, stood out to me. The idea that he's back piecing this thing together.

After a breakout season in 2023, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is poised to be a top five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's a multi-faceted game-changer at the quarterback position, but his prospect makeup doesn't come without its questions.

College: LSU

Age: 23

Height: 6'4

Weight: 210

Awards: Heisman Trophy (2023), Walter Camp Award (2023), AP College Football Player of the Year (2023), Davey O'Brien Award (2023), Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2023), Consensus All-American (2023), SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2023), All-SEC First Team (2023)

Daniels was a four-star recruit out of Cajon High School in California. He was the second-ranked quarterback (behind Spencer Rattler) and top-ranked dual threat quarterback in the Class of 2019, and committed to Arizona State.

In his first camp at Arizona State Daniels won the starting job, making him the first true freshman starting quarterback in program history. He finished as a runner-up for Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the year. He retained the starting job all three years he was with Arizona State.

In 2022 Daniels transferred to LSU, where his production dramatically increased despite facing tougher SEC defenses. After a promising 2022 season Daniels had a monster 2023 season, capturing the Heisman trophy.

For more player breakdowns, scouting reports, and all things 2024 NFL Draft, check out the 98.5 The Sports Hub Draft Hub page. 

-- Rapid growth the last two years shows an ability to quickly learn and improve his game

-- Best at throwing to some of the toughest parts of the field, deep and outside the numbers

-- Good throwing mechanics, quick release

-- Elite athlete, a true big play threat as a runner, but doesn't need to run to be effective

-- Can use his legs to extend a play and create with his arm, just as well as taking off and scrambling

-- Trusts his arm too much at times

-- Middle of the field accuracy is inconsistent

-- Will need to bulk up to take the kind of contact he'll deal with at the next level

-- Doesn't protect himself as a runner, takes too many unnecessary big hits, needs to slide and go out of bounds more

-- Older prospect (will turn 24 during his rookie year)

Ceiling: Lamar Jackson

Middle: Robert Griffin III

Floor: Tyrod Taylor

Daniels is an elite athlete at the quarterback position, but that's hardly his whole game. He's improved significantly as a passer his two years at LSU. He'll need to work on his short game, and durability will be a question due to his frame, but he has the big-play potential - both as a passer and runner - that NFL teams covet.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.