New York Giants: 6 possible franchise quarterbacks in 2019 NFL Draft
By Henry Buggy
Hindsight is always 20/20, and New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman likely would have taken a different approach in his first offseason had he known Big Blue would start the year 1-5.
Gettleman spent the offseason revamping the New York Giants’ roster to win now. He spent top dollar in free agency on offensive tackle Nate Solder and used the franchise’s highest draft selection since 1981 on a running back, Saquon Barkley.
Some critics may say Gettleman failed this team. Others might point to his draft selections and see the glass half full. Both sides have valid arguments, as the Giants clearly improved their roster for the future, but also made some questionable signings.
The biggest question facing the Giants now is the quarterback position. Gettleman elected to pass on Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen for Barkley. He did take a quarterback, Kyle Lauletta, in the fourth round, but at this point, it’s unclear what his future will be with Big Blue.
Eli Manning’s play has regressed significantly. His play against divisional opponents on prime time has not helped his case. He’s clearly not Big Blue’s only issue, as the offensive line remains the franchise’s biggest problem.
Nonetheless, the Giants look to be on pace for another top five draft pick. They may have missed the boat on the quarterback loaded 2018 draft class, but they could end up having their choice of quarterback in 2019.
The Arizona Cardinals, Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and Indianapolis Colts are the only other teams with one win entering Week 7. None of them are in need of a quarterback. Most NFL teams already have a succession plan in place with a quarterback of Manning’s age.
The New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers are the only two teams with aging quarterbacks who might seek a signal caller in the first round, but both franchises are highly unlikely to be selecting before Big Blue. The Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Washington Redskins could be in the market for a quarterback, but that will depend on how they finish this season.
That leaves the Giants atop the list of quarterback-needy teams. Will Big Blue’s future franchise quarterback be in the 2019 NFL Draft?
That will be up to Gettleman and ownership, but here’s a look at some of the top prospects the Giants are surely watching.