Why the Giants Drafted Daniel Jones Over Dwayne Haskins in 2019: A Strategic Decision

The New York Giants' decision to select Daniel Jones over Dwayne Haskins in the 2019 NFL Draft was influenced by several factors, each adding layers to the overall strategy. This article delves into the scouting and fit, background and work ethic, concerns about Haskins, long-term vision, and pre-draft evaluations that played a crucial role in this decision.

Scouting and Fit

The Giants front office, including then-general manager Dave Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmur, believed that Daniel Jones was a better fit for their offensive system. They valued his ability to run a pro-style offense and his decision-making skills. The Giants were looking for a quarterback who could seamlessly integrate into their existing playbook and lead the team effectively.

Background and Work Ethic

There is more to Daniel Jones than his physical attributes. Playing under legendary coach David Cutcliffe at Duke, Jones demonstrated a strong background. Cutcliffe, who also coached NFL quarterbacks like Peyton and Eli Manning, instilled in Jones a sense of discipline and work ethic that the Giants valued. Their scouts and GM appreciated his intelligence and leadership qualities, believing they would translate well to the professional ranks.

Concerns About Dwayne Haskins

While Dwayne Haskins had impressive statistics at Ohio State, there were significant concerns about his readiness for the NFL. Even though Haskins was a one-year starter, some scouts questioned his mobility and his ability to read defenses quickly. The contrast between the two quarterbacks highlighted the Giants' cautious approach to selecting a player who could handle the pressures of the NFL.

Long-term Vision

The Giants' strategy extended beyond the immediate future. They were looking for a quarterback who had the potential to develop over time and grow into a franchise quarterback. Daniel Jones, with his strong work ethic and areas for improvement, seemed to align better with the team's long-term vision. Dwayne Haskins, with his past as a one-year starter, might have had a limited upside according to the Giants' scouting reports.

Pre-Draft Evaluations

Before the draft, the Giants conducted extensive evaluations and private workouts. Their assessments indicated that Jones offered a better combination of attributes that aligned with their long-term vision for the team. Despite Haskins being viewed by many as the more highly rated quarterback by some analysts, the Giants' evaluations led them to prioritize Jones.

Giants Fan Perspective

As a Giants fan, my perspective on Jones has been interesting. He has shown signs of the athleticism and cognitive abilities that Dave Gettleman valued, but questions remain about whether he will become a great quarterback. The journey of Jones in the NFL is an ongoing story, and only time will tell if the Giants made the right strategic decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Giants' decision to draft Daniel Jones over Dwayne Haskins in 2019 was well thought out. It was a strategic choice that was based on scouting reports, fit within the team's system, long-term vision, and evaluations prior to the draft. While there were debates and doubts, the Giants believed that Jones was the right fit for their future.

Keywords

2019 NFL Draft, Daniel Jones, Dwayne Haskins, New York Giants, NFL Quarterback