With the start of training camp drawing near, the battle for a roster spot for every player on all 32 teams begins. For the New York Giants, it seems like they got better at every position this offseason. From free agent additions to smart draft picks, it could be argued that they have a chance to improve on last year’s divisional round appearance.
With that said, it’s time to review each position on the team. First is the most important position in the sport: quarterback.
New York Giants starter (no question here): Daniel Jones
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Unless a freak injury happens or his camp performance totally sucks, he’s the starter. After a season in which he threw for more than 3,500 yards, Jones is ready to step up and aim for 4,000. The addition of weapons like Parris Campbell and Darren Waller will help with that. Don’t forget about the weapons already on the team, including Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins.
2023 was a career year for Danny Dimes, overall. His 67% completion percentage was the best of his career thus far, and his five interceptions were the lowest he’s ever had. Of course, he only threw for 15 touchdowns last year and had a career-high 24 during his rookie season. However, there is hope that he can top that this coming season.
His 708 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns were also career bests. Combine all of these stats together, and it’s clear that he may be one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL sooner rather than later.
There’s a reason he was taken sixth overall in the 2019 draft. The potential is there. It’s all about developing that and that’s what coach Brian Daboll has done a fantastic job with so far. A second season with his head coach is something Jones hasn’t had in his young career: stability.
Oh, Jones was sacked 42 times last year. They were the top five in the NFL last year. So what do the Giants do? He selects a young prospect in John Michael Schmitz to solve the center problem. Stability on the offensive line? Accomplished. Don’t forget star left tackle Andrew Thomas and last year’s first-round pick Evan Neal.
Some Giants fans have hated Jones since his rookie season. Perhaps last year’s performance coupled with optimism for this season will finally shut them up.
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I’ll be quick. As mentioned, an injury to Daniel Jones is the only way Mr. Taylor will see the field this season. Granted, he appeared in three games last year, but only during garbage time.
A week four appearance against the Chicago Bears saw him suffer a concussion, adding to the number of injuries he has sustained in a long NFL career. Sure, he provides veteran leadership and useful quarterback play on occasion. But, one could argue that there are other backup options the Giants could have pursued (eg Teddy Bridgewater).
Anyway, I don’t hate the idea of Taylor on the list. I’m glad he was able to overcome the adversity of all those unfortunate injuries and remain on an NFL team. But don’t expect him to lead the New York Giants to wins if called upon.
Dark Horse will take second place: Tommy Devito
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Talk about coming home. The former Illinois product begins his NFL career with the team he grew up on 20 minutes away. Despite an up-and-down college career, the New York Giants signed the undrafted free agent and are looking to make some noise in training camp.
Flashes of good arm strength and the ability to make plays with his legs are two traits I like about Devito. But, like Taylor, injuries have plagued Devito in his football career thus far.
However, Devito is young. He has demonstrated excellent leadership qualities during his time at Syracuse and Illinois University. Also, his performance on the Giants OTAs was something to applaud. Continuing that game through training camp will highlight the coaching staff and give a reason to keep him on the roster.
Worst-case scenario: He stays on the practice squad and none of the other 31 teams want him. But showing up during training camp and playing well in the preseason could see Devito pass Taylor on the depth chart.
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