Daniel Jones Combine: Stats, Highlights, And Analysis
Daniel Jones, now the quarterback for the New York Giants, entered the 2019 NFL Combine with a lot to prove. As a prospect from Duke University, he aimed to demonstrate his athleticism, arm strength, and overall readiness for the NFL stage. The combine served as a crucial platform for Jones to showcase his abilities in front of coaches, scouts, and general managers, all eager to assess his potential. Let's dive into Daniel Jones's performance at the combine, breaking down his stats, highlighting key moments, and analyzing how it shaped his draft stock.
Daniel Jones' Combine Performance: A Detailed Breakdown
At the 2019 NFL Combine, Daniel Jones had the opportunity to showcase his physical and athletic abilities in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. His performance was highly scrutinized, as it offered a crucial glimpse into his potential at the professional level. Let's delve into a detailed breakdown of his performance in each drill and assessment.
Measurements and Physical Attributes
Daniel Jones's physical measurements are always a great place to start when evaluating a quarterback's potential. Jones measured in at 6'5" and weighed 221 pounds. These are solid numbers for an NFL quarterback, providing a good frame to withstand the rigors of the position. His hand size, another critical measurement for quarterbacks, was 9 3/4 inches, considered adequate for gripping the ball securely, even in adverse weather conditions. These physical attributes provided a foundation for scouts to project his potential in the NFL. They look at things like height and weight because they are trying to see how durable this QB might be. Also, hand size is a big deal because fumbles are a HUGE no-no!
40-Yard Dash
The 40-yard dash is a key test of a player's speed and acceleration. Daniel Jones ran the 40-yard dash in 4.81 seconds. While this time wasn't blazing fast compared to other quarterbacks or skill position players, it demonstrated adequate mobility for a quarterback. More importantly, scouts looked at his acceleration and fluidity in his running motion, assessing his ability to escape pressure and extend plays when necessary. While Jones isn't known for his running prowess, this time showed he wasn't a statue in the pocket. It showed he had just enough athleticism to make plays when things broke down.
Bench Press
The bench press evaluates a player's upper body strength and endurance. Daniel Jones completed 12 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. While this number wasn't exceptional, it was respectable and indicated sufficient upper body strength to make the throws required at the NFL level. Quarterbacks don't need to be powerlifters, but enough strength is needed to endure hits and maintain throwing power throughout the game. This is a big deal when you are talking about the fourth quarter in December!
Vertical Jump and Broad Jump
The vertical jump and broad jump assess a player's lower body explosiveness and power. Daniel Jones recorded a 28.5-inch vertical jump and a 9'8" broad jump. These numbers demonstrated adequate lower body strength and explosiveness, contributing to his overall athleticism. These jumps reflect a quarterback's ability to generate power from their lower body when making throws, enhancing their throwing velocity and distance. These jumps can give insight into how well they can make throws while on the move.
3-Cone Drill and 20-Yard Shuttle
The 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle evaluate a player's agility, change-of-direction ability, and short-area quickness. Daniel Jones completed the 3-cone drill in 7.00 seconds and the 20-yard shuttle in 4.39 seconds. These times were solid, showcasing his agility and ability to navigate the pocket. These drills are particularly important for quarterbacks, as they reflect their capacity to evade pressure, maneuver within the pocket, and make accurate throws while on the move. These are the kinds of drills that separate the good from the great.
On-Field Drills and Throwing Sessions
Beyond the physical tests, the on-field drills and throwing sessions were crucial for evaluating Daniel Jones's quarterbacking skills. During these sessions, Jones displayed his arm strength, throwing accuracy, and ability to make various throws, including short, intermediate, and deep passes. Scouts closely watched his throwing mechanics, release point, and decision-making, assessing his potential to execute an NFL-style offense. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure was also under scrutiny. These drills offered a comprehensive view of his quarterbacking abilities and potential to lead an NFL team.
Strengths Showcased by Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones demonstrated several strengths during his combine performance that likely caught the attention of NFL teams. His arm strength was evident, as he consistently delivered accurate throws with good velocity. His throwing mechanics were generally sound, allowing him to generate power and maintain accuracy. Additionally, Jones displayed good footwork and agility in the pocket, enabling him to evade pressure and create throwing lanes. His decision-making during the throwing sessions was also commendable, as he showed an understanding of when to take calculated risks and when to check down to a safer option. These strengths collectively painted a picture of a quarterback with the potential to develop into a successful NFL starter.
Areas for Improvement Highlighted
Despite his strengths, Daniel Jones's combine performance also highlighted areas where he needed to improve. While his arm strength was adequate, it wasn't considered elite, and he would need to continue developing his throwing power to make all the throws required at the NFL level. His accuracy could be inconsistent at times, particularly on deep throws, and he would need to refine his technique to improve his precision. Additionally, his decision-making could be questionable in certain situations, leading to turnovers or missed opportunities. These areas for improvement would require focused attention and coaching to unlock his full potential.
How the Combine Impacted Daniel Jones' Draft Stock
Daniel Jones's performance at the NFL Combine had a significant impact on his draft stock. While he wasn't considered a top-tier quarterback prospect entering the combine, his solid performance helped solidify his status as a potential first-round pick. His strengths, such as his arm strength, throwing mechanics, and pocket presence, were on full display, reassuring teams of his potential. However, his areas for improvement, such as his accuracy and decision-making, also tempered expectations and raised questions about his readiness to start immediately in the NFL. Ultimately, Jones's combine performance helped him rise in the eyes of many NFL teams, leading to his eventual selection by the New York Giants with the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. It is safe to say that the Giants saw something special in Daniel Jones.
Analysis and Expert Opinions
Following Daniel Jones's combine performance, analysts and experts offered various opinions and assessments. Some praised his arm strength, throwing mechanics, and overall athleticism, projecting him as a potential franchise quarterback. Others expressed concerns about his accuracy, decision-making, and tendency to turn the ball over, questioning his ability to succeed at the highest level. Opinions varied widely, reflecting the subjective nature of evaluating quarterback prospects. However, most analysts agreed that Jones had the raw talent and potential to develop into a quality NFL starter with proper coaching and development. Some analysts thought he was going to be a bust, while others thought he could be a star. Only time would tell.
Conclusion: Daniel Jones's Combine Legacy
In conclusion, Daniel Jones's performance at the 2019 NFL Combine was a significant chapter in his journey to the NFL. His combine performance provided a glimpse into his strengths, weaknesses, and overall potential, influencing his draft stock and ultimately leading to his selection by the New York Giants. While his combine performance wasn't perfect, it showcased enough promise to convince the Giants that he was worth investing in as their future quarterback. As he embarks on his NFL career, Jones will look to build upon the foundation he established at the combine, refining his skills and proving that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. The combine will always be remembered as a key moment in his journey to the NFL, and a place where he really started to believe in himself. Good luck to Daniel Jones!