Following a very impressive 2022 campaign where he helped the New York Giants to a first-round playoff victory, Daniel Jones’ 2023 season was cut short due to yet another injury.
Following Jones’ season-ending injury, many fans called for the Giants to move on from Jones.
Instead, free agency came and went, and then in the draft, while six of the first 12 picks were quarterbacks, the Giants selected Malik Nabers, who Joe Schoen hopes to be the best wide receiver weapon Jones has ever played with.
With Jones seemingly on pace to start the season, Pro Football Focus named him a fantasy sleeper ahead of the 2024 season.
DANIEL JONES, NEW YORK GIANTS (ADP: 16.03)
Jones finished as the QB9 in 2022, in large part thanks to his rushing ability. His 708 rushing yards ranked fifth at the position, while his seven rushing touchdowns tied for third.
He recorded a below-average big-time throw rate and an above-average turnover-worthy throw rate, but his volume in the running and passing game was enough to vault him into the top 10. Jones did not get off to a strong start in 2023 before dealing with injuries that decimated the rest of his season.
There is reason to believe Jones could match his 2022 fantasy production this season. The wide receivers he’ll have at his disposal are much better than they were at the start of last year.
Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell and Isaiah Hodgins were the three primary wide receivers when Jones was healthy last season. This year, Jones has Malik Nabers as his new lead wide receiver. Wan’Dale Robinson is healthy and should be his second-best option. Jalin Hyatt hadn’t earned much playing time while Jones was healthy last year, but he should also be part of the mix.
Jones’ ability to rack up rushing yards makes up for the lack of passing stats in comparison to the elite fantasy QBs. However, the Giants may look to ease Jones back into his rushing game with him coming back from injury.
With Saquon Barkley gone, an improved offensive line, and an improvement in the wide receiver corps expected, Jones could have better stats than he did in 2022.
In a crucial season for Jones, a lot will depend on his ability to stay healthy. It’s likely the connection with Malik Nabers is one the Giants look for early and often this season.
