Amidst the clamor for change, the New York Giants find themselves at a crossroads following the unfortunate news of quarterback Daniel Jones’s season-ending ACL tear in Week 9. This injury serves as yet another blot on a challenging season for the Giants, who stand at a 2-7 record, a stark contrast to their playoff victory just a year ago.
The immediate impulse for many might be to advocate for a complete overhaul at the quarterback position. However, several factors complicate this prospect. Daniel Jones’s contract comes with substantial cap hits over the next two years, and the team must address multiple gaps in their roster, making a first-round quarterback draft unlikely.
Instead, the Giants need to navigate the remainder of this season, focusing on shoring up the areas around Jones for the future. The offense has been underwhelming, and injuries to key players, including Saquon Barkley and tight end Darren Waller, have taken a toll. Moreover, offensive linemen like Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal, and John Michael Schmitz Jr. have been sidelined with injuries, further exposing the need for talent infusion, both in the starting lineup and on the bench.
In particular, the offensive line woes have been glaring, with top-10 pick Evan Neal’s struggles this year impacting the team. A model for the kind of player who could bolster the Giants’ offensive line next season is Max Scharping, a 2019 second-round pick who provided reliable support in Cincinnati.
The Giants must also address the need for a No. 1 receiver and a young, dynamic tight end. Currently holding the No. 4 overall pick, they should consider selecting Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., a prospect generating significant buzz and comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald. His arrival could provide Daniel Jones with the true No. 1 receiver he has been lacking.
It’s been a joy to watch Marvin Harrison Jr play football on Saturdays
Consistently putting on an effortless masterclass at the position
WR1 is indeed HIM pic.twitter.com/tflrZ8FQuV
— Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd) November 5, 2023
The Giants also need to rethink their approach at the tight end position, as age-related issues seem to affect Darren Waller. They can take cues from teams like the Bills, Packers, and Bears, who have successfully integrated new tight end talents like Dalton Kincaid, Luke Musgrave, and Cole Kmet.
Retaining Saquon Barkley remains a priority, as his versatility and leadership are invaluable, especially in the demanding New York market. The Giants could look to the college ranks for a tight end like Cade Stover, who has proven to be an asset to quarterbacks at Ohio State.
While the Giants could explore drafting a quarterback, it shouldn’t be with the intention of challenging Jones for the starting position. History has shown that talented quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Tony Romo, and Dak Prescott sometimes slip through the cracks and outperform expectations. The Giants need to scout diligently to find such a gem who, at the very least, could serve as a quality backup. Players like Tulane’s Michael Pratt, projected as a third-round pick, could fit the bill.
In summary, the Giants have multiple avenues for improvement that do not necessarily involve parting ways with Daniel Jones. With careful planning and strategic choices, they can rebuild and elevate their fortunes while harnessing Jones’s potential, as he has proven his ability to succeed when given the right circumstances.