5 biggest areas New York Giants must address this offseason
By Erik Slater
Quarterback
As hard as it might be for some loyal New York Giants fans to admit, the Eli Manning era in New York has run its course. Manning made some great throws last season, but the 38-year old signal caller looked shell-shocked more times than not.
While Big Blue’s offensive line faltered in pass protection for the majority of the season, Manning’s lack of mobility was clearly evident. The 15-year veteran is incapable of extending plays and looked uncomfortable when facing pressure within the pocket.
Manning ranked 21st in passer rating with a 92.4 rating on the season. The two-time Super Bowl MVP struggled to make his reads while under pressure, often checking down to running back Saquon Barkley and abandoning his progressions before any real sign of pressure.
Manning may still have some good football left in his system behind a stout offensive line, but the New York Giants cannot waste the prime years of Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham waiting to find out.
Quarterbacks who can evade pass rushers and extend plays are commonplace among today’s young prospects. Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are examples of the new wave of athletic, mobile quarterbacks who can compensate for offensive line deficiencies.
These young quarterbacks add a completely new element to the offense by giving wide receivers extra time to escape from man coverage or find soft spots in zones. The ability to pick up first downs with their legs when pass rushers get out of rush lanes is an invaluable asset.
If the New York Giants choose to move on from Manning, they have two directions they can go to find his predecessor.
They could look for a stop-gap option on the free agent market until they draft their franchise quarterback. Nick Foles, Teddy Bridgewater and Tyrod Taylor are the biggest names that will hit the open market.
If Gettleman opts to select his quarterback of the future with the No. 6 overall pick in April’s draft, two names stand out among the rest.
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins is widely regarded as the top prospect in the draft. The Heisman finalist is coming off a record-setting season in which he led the nation in passing yards (4,831) and touchdown passes (50). Haskins has good size at 6’3″, 220 lbs and the arm strength to make NFL throws.
The New Jersey native appears to like the idea of playing for his hometown team. Recently, Haskins posted a picture of himself in a New York Giants uniform on Twitter. While Haskins became the clear cut top quarterback prospect when Oregon QB Justin Herbert opted to return to school, a development has added some questions to the picture.
Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray is reportedly declaring for the draft despite previously announcing plans to play baseball for the Oakland Athletics, who selected Murray ninth overall in the 2018 MLB draft.
At best, Murray stands just 5’10” but has all the tools that an NFL quarterback needs to be successful today. The Texas native has great arm strength and incredible speed along with impressive poise within the pocket.
If the Giants were to select Haskins or Murray, there is no guarantee they would play immediately. There is still a good chance Manning could be back under center for one more season with a rookie learning behind him. Manning will likely be expected to accept a reduction in salary. Haskins would welcome the opportunity to learn under Manning.
"“He’s a legend. It’s not always about playing right away. It’s about learning what you can before you play so you are prepared to play. If I do have an opportunity to go to New York … I’ll definitely take it all in.”"
Haskins and Murray will surely be in strong consideration at sixth overall. However, while none of the five teams ahead of the Giants are in need of a quarterback, there is a strong possibility that the Jaguars, Broncos, Bengals, or Dolphins could trade ahead to select their quarterback of the future.
If Gettleman was not high on Sam Darnold in last year’s draft, it would be hard to envision him trading future assets to move up for Haskins or Murray with so many other holes to fill.
The quarterback situation is the most important decision that the Giants must address this offseason. However, with the sixth overall pick and a draft full of pass rushers, it would not be shocking to see New York go in a different direction.
While it is not a lock that New York’s new quarterback will come via the draft, it is highly likely that the New York Giants will have a new quarterback on the roster for the upcoming season.