Former NFL quarterback turned analyst, Bruce Gradkowski, has released his 2021 preseason NFL quarterback rankings for the website Pro Football Focus.
The top three were easy — Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady of Tampa Bay and Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers. The rest are all up for debate but for New York Giant fans, they want to know where their guy, Daniel Jones, landed on the list.
Gradkowski gives some pragmatic analysis on Jones, taking into account all of the obstacles he’s had to deal with in his first two seasons.
20. DANIEL JONES, NEW YORK GIANTS
This is a big year for Daniel Jones to establish himself as a franchise quarterback, and the Giants are doing everything in their power to surround him with help. Last year, the team had the lowest pass-blocking grade in the league and the eighth-worst receiving grade, but new additions from free agency and the draft should help.
This is the first offseason Jones will be in the same offense, which will offer more familiarity going into his third season. Jones must eliminate the boneheaded decisions and turnover-worthy plays that hold the team back. With his toughness and ability to make plays with his legs, Jones can make a big leap forward.
Good points all around. Jones hasn’t done a lot to help himself but neither has anyone else on that offense. With star running back Saquon Barkley returning and a bunch of new receiving options (Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Kyle Rudolph, John Ross), Jones would almost have to be better this season.
But the Giants did not upgrade their offensive line, stating that they are comfortable with what they have. We’ll see about that. The line is the only thing that can hold this team back in 2021. That, and, of course, turnovers.
