The New York Giants have their quarterback of the present in Eli Manning, but do they also have their quarterback of the future? Ryan Nassib is an interesting backup quarterback and a fan favorite because of his Syracuse Orange career. Nassib got a lot of hype going into the 2013 NFL Draft however the Giants took him in the 4th round.
It was clear to decision makers that while he had great potential, Nassib was a big coaching project. The Giants know that the time to look for Manning’s successor is now, even though they have some time left on Manning’s career. Lets evaluate Nassib and ask ourselves if he is the quarterback of the future or a career clipboard holder.
We do not truly know who Nassib is in the National Football League so we must look to his collegiate career. Here is a run down of Nassib’s strengths and weaknesses going into that particular draft as I saw them.
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
1.) Arm talent: Nassib can make all the throws required of an NFL talent. His arm is not a rocket launcher but it is more than proficient. He has what many quarterbacks lack, touch on his passes.
2.) Mobility: He is quick, not necessarily fast. He is a good enough runner that defenses have to view him as a duel threat but he is not going to make a habit of running in the NFL. He can throw well on the run.
3.) Throwing In Awkward Positions: Much like Andrew Luck, Nassib has an ability to throw accurately under duress and while being contacted by pass rushers. He is the master of the crowded pocket.
Weaknesses:
1.) Forces Throws: He is a bit of a gunslinger and he takes chances. He believes in his arm and it gets him into trouble sometimes.
2.) Stares Down Targets: Nassib keeps his head on his receivers; this is a trait that will help defensive backs and linebackers intercept his passes. Nassib needs to work on his ability to look off defenders. His eyes take you to where he is throwing the football.
3.) Footwork: The mechanics are not too much of a red flag. With good coaching he will become better. His footwork is not awful but its not always sharp. This affects accuracy and timing of his passes. I would also like to see better anticipation from him.
Overall I see Nassib as a major project, one a new coaching staff may not be willing to commit to. Nassib does not strike me as a star. The Giants have a horrible 3-9 record. If Tom Coughlin and Ben McAdoo thought he was good enough to be a star, don’t you think they would have tested their hypothesis by now?
The Giants are clearly looking toward the future and there is no indication that Nassib will play a big role in that future. I don’t think Ryan Nassib is the quarterback of the future, the Giants need to keep looking.