As Roger Goodell announced the New York Giants’ pick, the ensuing boos from Nashville could be heard all the way from MetLife. The airways and internet was soon engulfed by angry fans and ESPN talking heads alike scolding the state of the Giants organization and how bone-headed it was that out of all people, Daniel Jones was taken sixth overall.
However, instead of labeling the kid a bust before he even laces a pair of cleats and proclaiming Gettleman to be the Antichrist, Jones deserves a deeper look at his skills and the Giants’ situation.
Looking at the latter first, many will point out that the Giants could’ve had Josh Allen at six and still have Jones at the 17th pick. We know now that besides the Redskins, no team between the sixth and 17th pick choose a quarterback. All the Giants’ front office knew is that there were teams before the 17th pick that were looking for a quarterback. Yes, it was unfortunate that the Giants passed on Josh Allen, a possibly generational defensive talent, but any self-respecting franchise who knows their man gets him as soon as possible.
Now onto Jones himself. Jones is not flashy like the air-raid offense of Kyler Murray or the deep-ball centered attack of Dwayne Haskins. Jones is content to win with a combination of short passes and scrambling for the first down. He does the little things right: timing, accuracy, ability to go through his reads, characteristics that are lost to a sports media that focuses on big arms and stat lines more than fundamentals and intangibles.
The poor Duke roster Jones led should also be noted. Haskins would see two of his wide receivers, two of his offensive line men, and his running back be drafted. Besides Jones, Duke produced zero draftees.
Perhaps the thing working in Jones’s favor the most is the situation on the team. He already has a personal relationship with quarterback Eli Manning, and will be able to learn from the former Super Bowl MVP from the bench for this season.
Jones will have a star running back in Saquon Barkley and a new look defense to back him up. Compare this to Dwayne Haskins’ situation in Washington, who will be pressured to start ahead of underachiever Case Keenum.
While certainly a controversial choice, Daniel Jones will in time prove to be the leading quarterback of future triumphs for the Giants.
