New York Giants: Davis Webb Was The Right Quarterback To Target
The New York Giants made a controversial decision to select Davis Webb in the 2017 NFL Draft. Polarizing as it may be, it was the right move to make.
With the 87th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected former California Golden Bears quarterback Davis Webb. It was a commitment to a future that may not include current franchise quarterback Eli Manning.
Although it was a polarizing decision, general manager Jerry Reese was in the right to make the move to draft Webb.
The decision to select Webb followed the first-round selection of former Ole Miss Rebels tight end Evan Engram. It preceded the selection of former Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman in the fourth round.
Both Engram and Gallman have the potential to help Manning prosper in 2017, but the harsh reality in New York is that the guard is soon to change.
Manning has appeared in 201 consecutive regular season games for the Giants, but the ironman could break down in the near future. He turned 36 years of age in January and is closer to the end of his career than he is to the prime of it.
Knowing this to be true, it stands to reason that the Giants made the right decision by finding a quarterback who could replace Manning within two-to-three seasons.
If that figure seems oddly specific, take note that Reese publicly stated that he plans to have Webb sit behind Manning for two or three seasons.
Giving Manning two more seasons would mean allowing him to start until he turns 38, and three seasons would push him to 39. At that point, the Giants would be at fault for not finding his replacement.
By drafting Webb at No. 87 overall, Webb ensured that the Giants will have a player developing behind Manning as he enters the final stage of his career.
It stands to reason that Manning could continue playing at a high level through his 39th birthday. He’s already defied the odds by appearing in a longer stretch of games than any other active player in the NFL.
If father time strikes at some point during that time frame, however, developing Webb behind Manning would give New York a necessary Plan B.
There’s reason to believe Webb is the perfect player for the job.
Webb is a 6’5″ and 229-pound quarterback with an elite physical profile and a high release point. His mechanics can be somewhat robotic and his spread offense experience creates some measure of skepticism, but the talent is undoubtedly there.
The 22-year-old started for two years at Texas Tech and one year at California, producing at a high level in all three seasons.
During his 23 games at Texas Tech, he recorded 5,557 yards, 46 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions, as well as three rushing touchdowns. In 2016, he excelled at Cal with 4,295 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and six rushing scores.
Between his production and his physical stature, Webb is one of the most dynamic quarterback talents to emerge from the 2017 NFL Draft.
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It may not be the most ideal of situations for Eli Manning fans, but the New York Giants made the right decision by drafting Davis Webb.