Daniel Jones's Preseason Player Analysis

Bottom Line

Jones' best quality is his rushing upside – and that’s in question following a 2023 ACL tear.

While the addition of WR Malik Nabers brings hope, Jones is best rostered as a superflex QB3.

What We Learned Last Year

• Jones missed the final six games of the 2021 season with a neck injury. He missed three games with a neck issue in 2023.
• His season ended shortly thereafter with a Week 9 ACL tear (right knee).
• It’s a small sample, but prior to the injury, Jones’ play noticeably regressed off a career-best 2022.
  • Among 36 qualifiers, Jones ranked 34th in EPA per play, 32nd in success rate, 9th in completion rate, and 35th in sack rate.
  • His low average depth of target (6.8 yards) helped boost the completion rate.
• Jones tallied 206 rushing yards in less than six full games.
  • He scrambled on 10.5% of his dropbacks -- second most in the 36-QB sample.
• He wasn’t propped up by a strong supporting cast.
  • New York’s leading receivers included Darius Slayton and 12 games of Darren Waller.
  • The Giants’ O-line ranked 32nd in PFF pass blocking grade.

What to Expect in 2024

• Jones returns for his third season alongside HC Brian Daboll and OC Mike Kafka.
  • Daboll is expected to take back play-calling duties from Kafka.
• By all accounts, Jones' ACL rehab has gone smoothly.
  • He participated in OTAs/minicamp.
  • Jones expressed confidence he’ll be ready to play come Week 1.
• New York’s O-line remains under the microscope.
  • Carmen Bricillo arrives as the eighth O-line coach over the past 10 years. He formerly coached the O-line in New England and Vegas.
  • The Giants are expected to trot out LT Andrew Thomas, LG Jermaine Eluemunor, C John Michael Schmitz, RG Jon Runyan, and RT Evan Neal.
  • Eluemunor and Runyan are the only holdovers, but they supply upgrades along the interior.
  • Note that the Giants allowed a ridiculous 85 sacks last season.
• Round 1 WR Malik Nabers arrives to give this unit its most talented target since Odell Beckham.
  • The rest of the WR corps (Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt) looks pedestrian.
  • Darren Waller retired in June.
  • A Daniel Bellinger-Theo Johnson tandem will have a chance to replace him, but it’s likely a clear downgrade.
• Jones is fully expected to start. But if he struggles, there’s a chance we see new backup Drew Lock.