The New York Giants set expectations high by earning a playoff berth in Year 1 of the Brian Daboll era. Unfortunately, the 2023 campaign has sent the team and its fanbase spiraling back to reality. Injuries are largely to blame, as starting quarterback Daniel Jones is on the shelf, and his offensive line has been a turnstile in the Big Apple.
Daniel Jones Is Not The Answer In New York — Brian Daboll Should Target A QB At The 2024 NFL Draft
While it wouldn’t be fair to pin the regression solely on Jones, it is fair to say he didn’t contribute to many of the positive plays the Giants have mustered in 2023. Often, when he was healthy, the team found success despite Danny Dimes, not because of him. So, with that in mind, and with a likely top-three pick in tow, who should Daboll and Co. look to as a replacement behind center?
Jones’ contract makes things a bit tricky, but it is essentially a guaranteed deal through 2024, and then the team can cut ties for pennies on the dollar. Simply put, the current QB1 in New York should not stop the Giants from actively searching for a higher-upside option. Lucky for them, there are a handful of passers from the 2024 NFL Draft that make sense in the Daboll system.
Giants Option No. 1: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
After opening the 2023 college football season on the heels of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye has taken over the top spot on my Big Board. Why? Well, the North Carolina star checks more boxes, to be blunt. He is the size of a traditional QB1 in the NFL, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 229 pounds.
On top of that, Maye has ample arm strength to attack all three levels of the defense, including an impeccable deep ball. Going further, the Tar Heel alum shows the ability to get through his reads quickly and boasts impressive improvisational skills when flushed outside the pocket. With a clean pocket? Maye is surgical and trusts his receivers to get to their spot, throwing with anticipation.
For the Giants, it would require even more resources poured into the offensive line. Getting Maye in the building is step one, but as talented as he is, the roster must add talent to the offensive unit. That includes better blocking and more capable pass catchers. In a vacuum, Maye is the ideal option for Daboll.
Giants Option No. 2: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The personal attacks on Caleb Williams reveal the ugly part of the NFL Draft process. Fans and media members alike are never shy to share their opinions on a prospect, which makes things fun and lively. But there are instances where things get away from being fun and turn into something more sinister. Williams is seeing that firsthand at the moment.
After many questioned his love for the game earlier in the year, Williams caught flack for “caring too much” late in the season when cameras caught him crying after a loss. That is when the fair criticisms gave way to the slanderous talking points portrayed by media members and social media keyboard warriors.
Williams may not be the Patrick Mahomes-level prospect some painted him as — but who is? Still, the USC star has special arm talent, and his ability to create off-schedule is something that resembles video game stuff. Williams can flick the ball 60 yards downfield with ease while also having the fastball to attack small windows in the intermediate game.
Don’t Listen To The Haters, Caleb Williams Can Play
As a runner, Williams is one of the best in the business. He can churn out yardage on the ground, but where he excels is by keeping his eyes downfield as he flees the pocket. Williams has several plays on tape where he’s directing traffic downfield as the play unfolds. Those types of traits are hard to teach.
So, why is he No. 2 then? Size is a real concern on his NFL Draft profile. He might not be much taller than 6 feet, which does show up from time to time on tape. Also, Williams’ creativity isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes, it would serve him (and his team) better to take what the defense gives them.
I would rather coach that out of him than try to teach a different quarterback what Williams can do. That is why the Giants hired Brian Daboll, after all. He turned water into wine with Josh Allen; perhaps Daboll is the final piece of the puzzle to Williams’ development on Sundays?
Perhaps An LSU Star Makes The Most Sense For NYG
Giants Option No. 3: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
No quarterback has elevated his NFL Draft stock as much as Jayden Daniels. The expected Heisman Trophy front-runner has 50 total touchdowns on the year, with 5,000 all-purpose yards and only four interceptions.
If the Giants find themselves without a top-two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it will likely require them to pivot to a prospect like Daniels. But make no mistake — there are far worse consolation prizes than the LSU star.
Daniels is a bit lanky, and he has some growing to do with his progressions, but all the talent is there to be a high-end starter in the NFL. His ball placement and dual-threat capabilities make Daniels a worthwhile risk as the third quarterback off the board.
Giants Option No. 4: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Alternatively, J.J. McCarthy is a polarizing prospect amongst the NFL Draft community. While his sheer talent is undeniable, including above-average arm strength and an elite athletic profile, his production and level of responsibility at Michigan cause question marks in his projection.
With the Wolverines, McCarthy hasn’t been asked to carry the squad on a weekly basis in the way that Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels have been tasked with doing. While it’s unfair to pin that on the Michigan signal-caller, it is a valid concern when he arrives to the NFL, especially if he is taken early in Round 1.
Still, for Brian Daboll, McCarthy would present a souped-up version of Daniel Jones — at the very least. That is a rather stable floor, and although it would be less exciting than the previous three names, it could finally result in a long-term option behind center for the Giants. McCarthy’s pre-draft process will be a fascinating one to watch.
Michael Penix Jr. And Bo Nix Are Realistic Options At The 2024 NFL Draft
Giants Option No. 5: One Of The Old Men
Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix are making waves in the Pac-12 this season. The two long-time starters in college have elevated their play to unreached heights. Penix Jr. has his Washington Huskies undefeated heading into the conference championship, while Nix’s only loss has been at the hands of Penix Jr. The rematch will commence next weekend, with tons of NFL evaluators in attendance.
As far as their prospects go in the NFL Draft, it is anyone’s best guess. Penix Jr. and Nix will both be 24-year-old rookies. While that might not read as too alarming to the average fan, I assure you it is something NFL teams will take into consideration. For reference, C.J. Stroud, the favorite for NFL Rookie of the Year, will not turn 24 until Year 3 in the league.
However, for the Giants, an immediate starting option — no matter their age — could be worth it on Day 1. Personally, I’d be willing to target Penix Jr. and Nix in the backend of Round 1, but a top-five pick presents too much of an investment. Perhaps New York would take a different player at the top of Day 1 before using its multiple second-round picks to move back into the first round for Penix Jr. or Nix.