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Why Nelson, Barkley are safest choices for New York Giants

By Henry Buggy

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Many Big Blue fans are split on what the organization should do with the No. 2 overall pick.

Selecting Eli Manning’s successor could make plenty of sense, but the New York Giants did just use a third-round selection on Davis Webb last year.

With a new general manager, Dave Gettleman, and head coach, Pat Shurmur, in place, the G-Men face their biggest draft decision since 2004. Unless you’re the Cleveland Browns, the opportunity to select a franchise quarterback with a top five pick doesn’t come along often.

Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, and Baker Mayfield are considered the top four quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, but Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph are not far behind.

All six quarterbacks have flaws. Darnold and Rosen best fit the prototypical mold of a franchise quarterback based on their height, frame, and play during their college careers. But even those two have flaws.

Darnold struggled with turnovers in his redshirt sophomore season. Questions continue to surround Rosen’s leadership and coach-ability qualities.

While Commissioner Roger Goodell could call any of the top four signal callers with the No. 2 pick come April, the safest draft choices for the New York Giants don’t play quarterback.

Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson and Penn State running back Saquon Barkley are the best two players in this year’s draft class. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah lists them at the No. 1 and No. 2 players with the Nittany Lions running back taking the top spot.

The two are already drawing comparisons with Hall of Famers. Nelson has drawn comparisons with Larry Allen, and Barkley has been compared to Barry Sanders.

Either player would instantly make New York better. There is no such thing as a sure thing in the NFL, but Barkley and Nelson are as close as it gets.

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Positions Could Lead G-Men To Pass

Gettleman has already said he intends to take the “best player available” with the No. 2 pick.

But Barkley and Nelson’s positions could potentially lead Big Blue to pass on them. Running back talent can be found after the first-round. Just ask the New Orleans Saints or Kansas City Chiefs.

Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt were both third-round selections. This year’s draft class is once again loaded with talented running backs. Derrius Guice, Rashaad Penny, Ronald Jones, Sony Michel, and Nick Chubb all have the ability to be something special at the next level.

But none are guaranteed to have the immediate impact Barkley is likely to have. The 5-foot-11, 223-pound running back is arguably the best running back prospect to enter the league since Adrian Peterson, placing him ahead of Todd Gurley, Ezekiel Elliott, and Leonard Fournette.

As for Nelson, he is by far the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft class. Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison is among the many that believe he will be a star in NFL for a long time.

The Fighting Irish’s 6-foot-5, 329-pound prospect earned Pro Football Focus’ top grade for a guard in the FBS. It wasn’t close.

The question is would New York select a guard when Andrew Norwell and Justin Pugh are likely their top priorities in free agency?

Whether New York signs Norwell or retains Pugh could have a significant impact their draft plans. Even if New York is unable to sign either free agent, it’s rare for a guard to be selected in the top 10.

Jonathan Cooper was the last guard selected in the top 10. That was the 2013 NFL Draft. Redskins guard Brandon Scherff was the fifth overall pick in the 2015 draft, but he was projected to play offensive tackle at the time.

Only Gettleman and Shurmur can decide whether Nelson or Barkley is worth the No. 2 overall pick. But fans should expect both players to make an immediate impact no matter where they end up.

Next: 35 Players To Follow At Scouting Combine

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