When the New York Giants drafted quarterback Daniel Jones with the sixth pick in the 2019 NFL draft, most fans we are perplexed at the decision. However, in his rookie campaign, Danny Dimes showed plenty of promise and potential to brew optimism within the fan base.
Throwing 24 touchdowns and running for two more, Jones had his fair share of struggles, which included 18 fumbles, in which 11 were lost. He also threw 12 interceptions for a 2:1 TD:INT ratio.
Ultimately, there is plenty for Jones to iron out in his second season, but adding nine-pounds of healthy muscle mass and gaining back some of his best talents should support his growth. Having utilized a band of misfit toys due to injuries in 2019, he has a healthy Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, Evan Engram, and more.
New York Giants’ tight end Evan Engram raved about Jones and his leadership qualities:
I think it’s really good. DJ is definitely growing as a leader. Just for me seeing him come in the first day last year and just now. Especially in a new offense, a new system and everything he’s had to kind of learn. He’s definitely gaining confidence and I’m feeling good about the work he’s putting in and the work we’ve been putting in as a team. Just kind of seeing him take over that leadership role is a natural thing. DJ is a great leader by his actions and now he’s starting to figure it out vocally as well.
Jones didn’t seem to be the most vocally gifted leader when he was drafted, but that comes with confidence and success. With increased size and more command in the huddle, he will only become a more effective leader and talisman.
The words were great. We have to work on his hand gestures and his body language. He did pretty good for his first one.
As for his first motivational speech, Engram believes he had a pretty solid first one. It will be the first of many, as he leads his troops into battle and hopefully secures some much-needed wins.
I’m very confident in this offense by the work we have been putting in together. As far as DJ, I feel really confident in him because I have seen how hard he’s been working. We were together in the offseason before everything shut down in the facility, pushing each other in January, February and part of March. Seeing that and obviously keeping up with each other through the shutdown and obviously the work we’ve been putting in here, I feel one hundred percent confident about him and the momentum we’re going into the season with.