Over the past three seasons, several quarterbacks who were initially underwhelming after being highly drafted have found success in new environments with the right offensive schemes and coaching staffs. In 2022, the Seattle Seahawks chose Geno Smith, a 2013 second-round pick by the New York Jets, to replace Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback. Smith, who had struggled with the Jets, Giants, and Chargers, has since thrived in Seattle.
Baker Mayfield, the first overall pick in 2018 by the Cleveland Browns, fell out of favor with head coach Kevin Stefanski and was replaced by Deshaun Watson. After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. Under offensive coordinators Dave Canales and Liam Coen, Mayfield has become a key player for the Bucs.
Sam Darnold, another Jets draft bust, was selected third overall in 2018. After failing to find success with the Jets, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers and later joined the San Francisco 49ers. In Minnesota, under head coach Kevin O'Connell, Darnold has found a niche where his strengths are maximized.
Could Daniel Jones be the next in line for a career revival? The Giants recently released the 2019 sixth-overall pick after a series of underwhelming performances. Jones has faced multiple coaching changes and offensive systems, which may have hindered his development.
Jones, who has cleared waivers, is seeking the right situation, preferably with a playoff-level team. His mobility and ability to execute run-pass options make him a good fit for teams that utilize such tactics. This season, Jones has shown efficiency in RPO plays, completing eight of 13 passes for 52 yards and gaining 42 yards on six carries.
Teams like the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles, which frequently use RPOs, could be suitable destinations for Jones. His next coaching staff should focus on establishing a consistent rhythm with short and intermediate passes to mitigate his field-reading issues.
Jones's passing splits this season highlight his effectiveness on shorter throws. His next team should prioritize intermediate passes and provide him with easy reads in the red zone. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and Cincinnati Bengals excel in intermediate passing, making them potential fits.
Former Giants general manager Dave Gettleman selected Jones sixth overall after a strong performance at the 2019 Senior Bowl. Gettleman's emphasis on one week over Jones's three seasons at Duke contributed to Jones being seen as overdrafted.
In his final press conference with the Giants, Jones apologized for his performance and thanked the team. This experience may have affected his self-confidence, a crucial trait for a quarterback. His new team will need to help him regain confidence and become a 'Messenger of Confidence' to achieve professional redemption.
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