Daniel Jones

A neck injury cost Jones the final six games last year, capping another disappointing season. Jones passed for 402 yards Week 4, but that was pretty much the highlight — he averaged barely 200 yards in 10 other games. His 6.7 YPA was similar to each of the previous two years (6.6), and he again struggled with accuracy, ranking 22nd in on-target percentage (73.4). And it’s not because he took a lot of deep shots. A league-low 7.2 percent of his attempts went 20- plus yards, and his average target depth was 7.4 yards (24th). The Giants declined his fifth-year option but also took steps to improve the team around him this year. First, they hired head coach Brian Daboll, hoping he can do for Jones what he did as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator for the once-inaccurate Josh Allen. The team also overhauled a terrible offensive line with two draft picks, including first-round RT Evan Neal, and two free agents, including C Jon Feliciano, a former Bill. Jones also will benefit if, unlike last year, the wide receivers and Saquon Barkley remain even relatively healthy. Nevertheless, it’s a prove-it year in New York for Jones.

After a promising rookie season, Jones failed to take the expected next step last year, stagnating at best. His YPA remained unchanged at 6.6 (27th), and he surpassed 250 passing yards only three times, never topping 300 yards after doing so five times in 12 starts the year prior. Jones' biggest drop was in touchdown passes, from 24 to 11 (29th). He lost five touchdowns in the red zone despite the same number of attempts, as his 11.9 percent red-zone TD pass rate ranked last in the league. In his defense, Jones had a lot going against him. He had to learn a second offense in as many years, Saquon Barkley's Week 2 season-ending injury freed defenses from respecting the run, the offensive line allowed a league-high 30.2 QB pressure percentage and Giants receivers dropped 8.0 percent of targets, fifth highest in the league. Positive regression should solve the red-zone TD problem at least somewhat (league average was 26.3 percent; Jones was at 20.3 percent in 2019), and a healthy Barkley will relieve Jones of having to do everything. Perhaps another year with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will help Jones' decision-making and reduce his turnovers — 39 since 2019, most in the NFL. The Giants passed on taking a quarterback with the 11th pick in this year's draft, instead trading down to add speedy wide receiver Kadarius Toney (4.37 40). New York also signed wide receiver Kenny Golladay, giving Jones an established big-play threat to go with 
Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard, later adding 6-6 tight end Kyle Rudolph, a proven red-zone threat, as TE Evan Engram's reliability is a question after 11 drops last year. Assuming offensive line improvement, Jones is a good upside fantasy bet with a solid rushing floor and an improved passing situation.

Jones had a remarkable rookie season. His first start came Week 3, and by Week 16, when he became the first rookie in NFL history to pass for 350-plus yards, five TDs and no interceptions in a game, it was clear he had pushed Eli Manning into retirement. In addition to a slew of Giants rookie passing records, he had three games (in 12 starts) in which he passed for at least 300 yards, four TDs and no interceptions — something only two rookies in league history had done even once. At 6-5, Jones has wheels — he clocked two of the fastest runs last season among quarterbacks (19.51, 19.47 mph) — adding to his fantasy upside. The downside was turnovers. He had a bottom-10 INT rate (2.6 percent) and was plagued by fumbles. His 18 fumbles were fifth most all-time, and his 11 fumbles lost tied Tony Banks (1996) for the most by a rookie since 1970. Jones, who has average hand size (9 3/4 inches), held onto the ball too long at times, but he also got little help from an offensive line that allowed pressure on a league-high 29.6 percent of his dropbacks. The Giants hope fourth overall draft pick Andrew Thomas, the projected starter at right tackle, will stabilize the line. Led by elite RB Saquon Barkley, Jones has a solid supporting cast, including WR Darius Slayton, with whom he developed an excellent downfield connection even though his deep-ball passing was lacking overall (25.5 completion percentage on attempts longer than 20 yards). Perhaps new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett can hone the aggressiveness of Jones, who was noted for downfield accuracy out of college. If so, Jones could have a breakout season.

A bit of a surprise pick at No. 6 overall in this year's draft, Jones figures to be Eli Manning's understudy this season in New York. The team's hoped-for quarterback of the future appears to have a ways to go after a college career at Duke that saw him struggle with accuracy - career 59.9 completion rate, including 60.5 percent last season - while producing just 6.4 YPA. But the athletic Jones certainly looks the part at 6-5, 221, and he was named MVP of the Senior Bowl, where Giants general manager Dave Gettleman fell in love with him. Manning doesn't appear to be going anywhere soon, which is better for Jones' development anyway. If Jones does take snaps this season, he'll have a lot help in the short passing game, throwing to Saquon Barkley, Evan Engram, Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate. With Odell Beckham Jr. out of the picture, the Giants have designed their offense to revolve around the running game and quick passes.