New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has a huge feat in front of him this season. Not only does he need to play well to show the entire NFL that he does, in fact, belong in this league, but the Giants need him at the top of his game to avoid a repeat of 2023.
General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll made a ton of adjustments and player moves this offseason, and that includes drafting LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Nabers has loads of raw potential backed by natural talent. But, according to Douglas Clawson of CBS Sports, it won’t be enough to save Jones.
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A year ago I thought Daniel Jones could take the next step in his game after the Giants added two downfield targets in Darren Waller and Jalin Hyatt. I’m not making the same mistake twice! Giants first-round pick Malik Nabers is obviously better than both those players, but it’s hard to endorse Jones after he took a big step back last year.
If Jones does take a step forward again it’ll be because Nabers helps him stretch the field. Jones had just 10 completions traveling 20-plus air yards in 2022, tied for 30th in the NFL. Nabers had 19 catches on those deep balls last year at LSU, second in the nation behind Rome Odunze (23). He should also help a Giants team that was 26th in yards after catch per reception last year.
Does Jones have a lot to prove this season? Absolutely, 100 percent. Is it Nabers’ job to save Jones? Not even close. His performance matters, but Jones has to perform well first.