Assessing Washington Redskins first-round options: QB Daniel Jones

How Jones fits with the Redskins

The obvious answer to this is that the Redskins need a quarterback. But beyond that, there are a couple of reasons that Jones would be a sensible option for the Redskins.

First of all, Jones is arguably the most pro-ready quarterback in this draft. Yes, the 2019 quarterback class is fairly weak, but Jones comes from a pro-style system and won’t take long to integrate into an NFL system. Cutcliffe’s coaching will have him ready to play, and the only major concern for him will be improving his decision making.

Jones also happens to fit what Jay Gruden looks for in a quarterback pretty well, so that is a plus. Gruden could run a lot of the offensive concepts and RPOs that have been successful for him over the course of his career with the Bengals and Redskins. Jones should be able to execute that and probably would do so better than any other first-round quarterback in this draft.

In Washington, Jones would challenge Colt McCoy for a starting job right away. At the same time, he wouldn’t be forced to start if he wasn’t ready, as McCoy can hold the fort for a season if necessary. The team could also develop Jones behind the scenes in hopes of surrounding him with a better supporting cast in 2020, though that seems less likely than having him begin the 2019 season as a starter.

In short, Jones would add talent to one of the weaker positions on the Redskins. He has long-term upside but also provides a solid floor in the short-term. And that would help keep them competitive which, like it or not, is important for Gruden’s staff and the front office. He could be trusted as the team’s Week 1 starter if needed, and while there would be growing pains, he would still have a chance to produce and develop.