[Podcast] What If the Giants Hadn’t Drafted Daniel Jones?

Title: The Alternate Reality: What If the Giants Hadn’t Drafted Daniel Jones?

In the 2019 NFL Draft, the New York Giants made a decision that would shape the future of their franchise. With the sixth overall pick, they selected Daniel Jones, a quarterback from Duke University. This move was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike. Some praised the choice, citing Jones’ impressive college stats and potential for growth. Others were skeptical, questioning whether Jones was worth such a high draft pick. But what if the Giants hadn’t drafted Daniel Jones? How would this alternate reality have unfolded?

Firstly, let’s consider who else was available at the time of the Giants’ pick. Notable players still on the board included Josh Allen, a defensive end from Kentucky, and Dwayne Haskins, a quarterback from Ohio State. Both were highly touted prospects who could have significantly impacted the Giants’ roster.

If the Giants had opted for Josh Allen, they would have secured a formidable pass rusher to bolster their defense. Allen has since proven his worth in the NFL, earning a Pro Bowl selection in his second season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His presence could have transformed the Giants’ defense, providing them with a much-needed edge rusher.

On the other hand, if the Giants had chosen Dwayne Haskins, they would have still addressed their need for a quarterback. However, Haskins’ career trajectory has been less than stellar. After being drafted by the Washington Football Team, he struggled to establish himself as a reliable starter and was released after just two seasons. While it’s possible that he might have fared better in New York, it’s equally likely that his struggles would have persisted.

Another scenario to consider is if the Giants had traded down in the draft. This would have allowed them to acquire additional picks and potentially address multiple areas of need. They could have targeted a later-round quarterback like Gardner Minshew or Drew Lock, while also adding talent at other positions.

However, it’s important to remember that drafting is an inexact science. While it’s easy to speculate in hindsight, the reality is that no one can predict with certainty how a player will perform in the NFL.

As for Daniel Jones, his career with the Giants has been a roller coaster ride. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but has also struggled with consistency and turnovers. Despite this, he’s demonstrated enough potential to suggest that he could develop into a quality starting quarterback.

In conclusion, if the Giants hadn’t drafted Daniel Jones, their team would undoubtedly look very different today. They might have a stronger defense with Josh Allen, or they could be in a similar quarterback quandary with Dwayne Haskins. Alternatively, they could have more depth across their roster if they had traded down. However, despite the ups and downs, Daniel Jones remains a promising prospect for the Giants. Only time will tell whether he can fully realize his potential and lead the team to success.