This pick stays chalk from my first NFL mock draft to my second, and it all goes back to the brain trust in New York trying to find their own version of Josh Allen. Will Levis has a lot of the same kinds of tools in his bag and the Giants need to find an identity and a direction. This puts those two things in line with the areas of importance for Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen.
Young has a unique but effective downfield delivery on top of going with his off-the-charts athleticism, smarts and leadership skills. This pick would indicate things don't work out well for Daniel Jones in his last shot at franchise QB.
The Giants declined their fifth-year option on Daniel Jones, putting them in the market for a replacement in 2023 and beyond. Albeit inexperienced (66 pass attempts entering '22), Richardson has a unique set of physical tools. The Athletic's Bruce Feldman noted in his annual list of college football freaks that, "We never have many quarterbacks on this list, but this is a rare athlete." While there is quite a bit of projection required here as he enters his first season as the starter, his unique skill set could entice Brian Daboll, Joe Schoen & Co. to take a chance on Richardson's enormous upside, especially given their previous success in developing a toolsy quarterback in Buffalo.
Let's party. It's prove-it time in New York for Daniel Jones (maybe beyond prove-it time; we'll see) — the Giants declined his fifth-year option this spring. Like the rest of the quarterbacks currently playing on perceived QB-needy teams, Jones should have a chance to win a long-term job in 2022. If he outperforms expectations relative to what we've seen from him so far, the Giants won't likely be drafting in the top 10. If they are, they'll need to draft a quarterback.
Levis needs a big year at Kentucky in terms of consistency with both his decision-making and overall processing skills. But, physically, he's a beast. A special talent at 6-4, 230, with the goods to do everything in the NFL.
This will probably be the last year of the Daniel Jones era in New York and the time for a change is needed. Enter Will Levis.
Levis is a very talented passer who has a big arm and throws with very good velocity. He is an athletic player who can make plays with his legs as well. While there are some things to clean up in terms of his decision-making and touch, the upside here is well worth the risk.
William Shakespeare once said, "A jack of all trades is a master of none but oftentimes better than a master of one." There is no better way to describe Trenton Simpson. Need him to move to the slot and cover a receiver? Done. How about blitz on third down? Count the sack now. And what about filling gaps in run defense? Just call him Flex Seal the way he stops leaks.
GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll helped develop Josh Allen in Buffalo, and they could do the same with Richardson, a toolsy yet inexperienced passer. Evaluators will be watching Richardson closer than any other player this year, now that he is Florida's unquestioned QB1 after rotating series in multiple games last season. With a 6-foot-4, 232-pound frame and strong arm, he has the traits to be a very high draft pick, but the sample size is just too small (66 passes and 58 rushing attempts) and the consistency isn't quite there yet. The Giants did not pick up Daniel Jones' fifth-year option, so they will likely be in the QB market next offseason.