What the Giants Might, and Hope to, See From Their Next Potential QB at the Senior Bowl
The New York Giants are at a crucial crossroads when it comes to their quarterback position. After a disappointing 2024 season that saw them fail to make a deep playoff run, the team is considering what to do next at quarterback. With Daniel Jones’ future in question and uncertainty surrounding the long-term direction of the offense, the Senior Bowl is an event that could be pivotal in the Giants’ search for their next signal-caller. The organization will be keeping a close eye on the quarterbacks participating in the Senior Bowl, hoping to identify a potential franchise QB who can lead the team back to contention.
The Senior Bowl offers an opportunity for quarterbacks to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and media members. For the Giants, they will be looking for a few key traits in any potential quarterback prospect, hoping to find someone who can thrive under pressure, make quick decisions, and fit into their offensive system. Here’s what the Giants might, and hope to, see from the quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl:
1. Accuracy and Ball Placement
One of the most important qualities the Giants will be looking for in their potential next quarterback is accuracy. Over the past few seasons, the Giants have struggled with inconsistent quarterback play, especially when it comes to making pinpoint throws on key downs. Daniel Jones, while talented, has had issues with ball placement, particularly on deep throws and in tight windows. In the Senior Bowl, the Giants will be hoping to see quarterbacks who can throw with precision to all areas of the field—whether it’s hitting their receivers in stride on crossing routes or delivering a deep ball over the shoulder.
What They Hope to See:
The Giants will want a quarterback who can consistently place the ball where only their receiver can catch it. They’ll be looking for throwers who can lead receivers away from defenders, drop the ball perfectly in the bucket on deep throws, and hit their targets on timing routes. Accuracy on short-to-medium-range throws will be crucial, as the Giants need someone who can manage the offense efficiently.
2. Poise Under Pressure
In the NFL, quarterbacks are constantly under pressure—whether it’s from defensive linemen, blitzing linebackers, or the mental pressure of managing an offense in crucial situations. The Giants will be closely watching how quarterbacks handle the speed and intensity of the Senior Bowl, particularly how they perform when faced with pressure. They need a player who can keep their cool in the pocket, maintain good footwork, and not get rattled when things break down around them.
What They Hope to See:
The Giants will want to see quarterbacks who don’t panic when their offensive line struggles or when the pocket begins to collapse. They need a player who can keep their eyes downfield, step up in the pocket, or move to their second or third reads with confidence. Quarterbacks who can remain calm under pressure will earn the attention of the Giants’ scouts and could potentially fit into their high-stakes environment.
3. Decision Making and Football IQ
Another area the Giants will be closely evaluating is a quarterback’s decision-making and football IQ. Throughout the 2024 season, the Giants’ offense struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities, which significantly hurt their overall performance. The quarterback position is often the first place to look when it comes to poor decision-making, and the Giants need a player who can read defenses, make quick decisions, and avoid costly mistakes. The Senior Bowl provides quarterbacks with a chance to show how well they can manage the game, avoid unnecessary risks, and make smart decisions in critical situations.
What They Hope to See:
The Giants are hoping to see quarterbacks who can quickly process information, read defenses, and make the right decisions. They will be looking for a quarterback who can recognize blitzes, know when to take a sack instead of forcing a throw, and show off a strong understanding of offensive concepts. Players who show good awareness of timing, anticipation, and situational football—like knowing when to throw the ball away or when to take a shot downfield—will stand out to the Giants’ brass.
4. Mobility and Escapability
While the Giants are likely looking for a traditional pocket passer, they will also be keeping an eye on a quarterback’s mobility and ability to escape pressure. Daniel Jones is known for his ability to use his legs to extend plays, which has been a useful weapon in the Giants’ offense. However, the team will want to assess how potential quarterbacks handle mobility and create opportunities outside of the pocket. A quarterback with good mobility can keep defenses guessing, making it harder for opposing teams to contain him, and may buy extra time for plays to develop downfield.
What They Hope to See:
The Giants will be paying attention to how quarterbacks handle movement in and outside of the pocket. While they likely prefer a QB who doesn’t rely solely on scrambling, they will want to see if a player can escape pressure when necessary, throw on the run, and make plays with their legs when the pocket breaks down. A quarterback who can use mobility strategically without abandoning the pocket entirely could be an intriguing option for the Giants.
5. Leadership and Mental Toughness
Off the field, leadership and mental toughness are traits that the Giants will closely examine. The quarterback is often the face of the franchise, and the Giants are looking for a leader who can inspire confidence in the locker room and elevate the play of his teammates. While it’s tough to gauge this aspect during a single week of practice and a game, the Senior Bowl allows scouts to evaluate how players interact with their teammates, respond to adversity, and handle challenges during the week.
What They Hope to See:
The Giants will be keeping an eye on how quarterbacks lead their respective teams during practices and scrimmages. They’ll want to see if players are vocal leaders, take control of huddles, and display a sense of urgency when things aren’t going well. Additionally, how players react to bad plays or turnovers during practices could give the Giants insight into their mental toughness and ability to rebound under pressure.
6. Arm Strength and Velocity
Finally, arm strength remains a key factor in evaluating quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl. The Giants have seen firsthand how important it is for a quarterback to be able to make all the necessary throws, from deep sideline passes to tight window throws over the middle. The Senior Bowl provides quarterbacks with the opportunity to show off their arm velocity and strength, especially in terms of how well they can drive the ball downfield and fit it into tight spaces.
What They Hope to See:
The Giants will be hoping to see quarterbacks who can throw with velocity and accuracy to all areas of the field. Whether it’s a fastball to the outside or a deep pass down the field, the Giants need a quarterback who can make all the throws with consistency. Arm strength combined with accuracy in tight windows is a must for the Giants’ next potential signal-caller.