Time will tell whether Jones is Manning 2.0 or a well-intentioned, but misguided, draft pick.
On Thursday, April 25th, New York Giants General Manager, Dave Gettleman, selected Duke quarterback Daniel Jones with the #6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Gettleman’s choice seemed to defy his belief in picking the best available player–like he did when he selected Penn State RB, Saquon Barkley, in the first round of last year’s draft.
Gettleman’s choice, which seems to defy logic, was made with one purpose in mind–finding Eli Manning 2.0. But did he accomplish that objective?
With big off-season cuts (OLB Vernon Olivier) and trades (WR Odell Beckham Jr.), it’s clear to this writer that the Giants are rebuilding. The biggest holes they need to fill are at edge rusher, linebacker, and right tackle. By the time the team was on the clock on April 25, several top-notch players were available. Gettleman could have drafted Josh Allen (LB) from Kentucky, edge rusher Ed Olivier from Houston, or Jonah Williams (OT) from Alabama.
But Gettleman ignored those options and picked a player that many critics and fans feel was the wrong choice. Truth be known, though, Jones and Manning’s share collegiate similarities.
For starters, current Duke coach David Cutcliffe was Manning’s coach at Ole’ Miss. Jones attended the Manning Passing Academy (hosted by Eli and Peyton Manning), and he also participated in Manning’s college mini-camp with Cutcliffe.
Gettleman knew from Jones’ bio that the Duke quarterback idolizes Eli Manning. So the GM figured the obvious. What better way to get Jones acclimated to the Giants offensive system than by learning from his mentor?
There’s something else of note: Jones’ ability to read defenses. A film room junkie (just like Manning), Jones spends hours studying defensive schemes and quarterback play to perfect his skills.
Courtesy NFL.com
In the final analysis, though, this 1st round draft pick is, at best, a below average choice. Despite Gettleman’s claim of Jones’ great ability, his weaknesses are apparent, too. Scouts rate Jones’ arm strength as average with an awkward delivery and limited speed.
Plus, now you have a quarterback controversy. Critics will be screaming for Jones to start if Manning or the Giants struggle.
Then there’s the all-important eye test. Giants’ fans don’t like this pick. In a Twitter poll that I conducted, only 20% of 70 voters think it was a great pick. 80% want the Giants to wait for next year’s quarterback class, which includes Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) and Jake Fromm (Georgia), to pick their future franchise quarterback.
Time will tell whether Jones is Manning 2.0 or a well-intentioned, but misguided, draft pick.
