The 2022-2023 NFL season will determine Daniel Jones future with the New York Giants. After a solid rookie year, followed by two mediocre seasons, Jones will be under a microscope. The Giants declined the fifth-year option on Jones, and that tells you all you need to know how they are evaluating the situation. With a 12-25 record as a starter, things haven’t been great. There have been flashes and disasters, not the consistency the Giants were hoping for when they used the sixth pick on him in the 2019 draft. If things go poorly again with Daniel Jones and this offense, a change could be needed. This is where the 2023 NFL draft comes into play. Another slow season on offense will most likely mean another high draft pick. That high draft pick could very well be the beginning of the end for Daniel Jones time in New York.
Here are three highly rated college quarterbacks to keep an eye if Daniel Jones continues to struggle:
1. Bryce Young, Alabama
The 2021-2022 Heisman Trophy winner, Young will be highly coveted going into next years draft. Bryce Young was not eligible for the 2022 draft, but it was reported how highly he was thought of. At six feet, Young could be considered a little undersized. He makes up for that with his dynamic playmaking abilities. An efficient quarterback, he threw for 47 touchdowns to only seven interceptions, while completing passes at a 66.9% clip.
His poise is incredible, seen here with the drive he led to tie the game in the 2021 Iron Bowl vs Auburn:
Weeks until Alabama football: 9
Bryce Young tearing Auburn’s hearts out pic.twitter.com/CdZDcQqsVE
— grizzzy🐻 (@_grizzzy_) July 2, 2022
If that wasn’t good enough, how about this throw to Jameson Williams in the SEC Championship game vs Georgia:
Georgia has no answer for the Bryce Young-Jameson Williams connection.
The home run ball is money 💰
🎥 @CBSSportspic.twitter.com/MXFIv6tIii
— The Athletic CFB (@TheAthleticCFB) December 4, 2021
The poise, the accuracy, the sense of the moment, and most importantly, the talent. Bryce Young possesses all the qualities NFL teams evaluate when looking for a franchise quarterback.
*If you are interested in reading more about Alabama football going into the 2022 season, click here.
2. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State:
A finalist for the Heisman Trophy last season, C.J. Stroud had a monster year. Stroud threw for 44 touchdowns to only six interceptions, with an impressive 71.9% completion rate. He managed to throw for three less touchdowns than Alabamas Bryce Young despite having 106 less pass attempts. Having impeccable pocket presence, Stroud looked like a polished quarterback on the rise last season. When it comes to efficiency, a big arm, and converting touchdowns, there aren’t many better than Stroud right now at the college level.
Check out his ridiculous first half last season against the #7 ranked Michigan State Spartans:
C.J. Stroud had a ridiculous first half performance: 29-31, 393 pass yards and 6 touchdowns 😳 pic.twitter.com/C1row39Vz6
— ESPN (@espn) November 20, 2021
Stroud also broke Rose Bowl records last season: Most passing yards (573) and most touchdown passes (6) in a game. He also went 37 for 46 in that game. Watching these highlights, Stroud gets rid of the football as easy as any elite quarterback you’re going to see. The way he can fling the football and seemingly have it travel miles with pinpoint accuracy…reminds me on an elite quarterback down in Green Bay.
C.J. Stroud much like Bryce Young, has the ready made qualities to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. At a 6’3 frame, Stroud has more height than Bryce Young, a factor that could be considered when deciding between the two. The Giants would most likely need to have a top three draft pick in the 2023 draft to snag one of them.
*For an expanded conversation on C.J. Stroud, click here to read why Greg Duncan of Gridiron Heroics thinks Stroud will take home the Heisman hardware this season.
3. Will Levis, Kentucky:
Transferring over from Penn State where he spent the 2019 & 2020 seasons, Will Levis had a breakout year in the Kentucky Wildcats system. Throwing for 24 touchdowns (2,826 passing yards, 66% completion, 13 interceptions) while also running for nine touchdowns (376 rushing yards), Levis guided Kentucky to a 10-3 record. It was only the second double digit win season (2018) in 44 years for the Kentucky football program. To have this kind of season in the always tough SEC was impressive.
At a listed 6’3/231, Levis is a more physically imposing quarterback than the aforementioned Young and Stroud. Si.com has a scouting profile on Levis, and there were a few things to note from their evaluation. Levis is applauded for his ability to work in a fast-paced offense, a skill that can translate over to the NFL.
When talking about what he needs to improve on: “He’ll need to learn how to develop through some of his progressions, as he continues to take his game to the next level and he will need to cut down on turnovers.”
Levis has a rocket arm, shown with throws like this:
Will Levis' last 2 throws:
🎯 Touchdown
🎯 Touchdown@UKFootball 🍌 pic.twitter.com/eRuFeiV5jo— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 4, 2021
Not just a pocket passer, Levis excels out in open space and isn’t afraid to get hit on the move:
Trickeration and then a TD: @will_levis ties it up in Kroger Field.
📺 – ESPN2 – https://t.co/6YXyWDDsNS pic.twitter.com/MlIwgPsQaW
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 7, 2021
Although he may not be as skilled as a pure quarterback like Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud are, he can still be effective at the next level. A strong arm and aggressive but fearless running style, Levis has all the tools to keep progressing into a top 12 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He needs to clean up on the turnovers as previously stated, but he has time to figure that out this season. Some may see his upside as higher than Young and Strouds based on his build and physical attributes. Mel Kiper is a fan of Levis potential.
Wan’Dale Robinson connection:
Will Levis and Giants 2022 2nd round (43rd overall) draft pick Wan’Dale Robinson were teammates this past season at Kentucky. The quarterback and wide receiver showed a strong connection last season, and could potentially reconnect as early as next season.
*For additional reading on Will Levis, click here to learn how he has been making improvements in his passing game.