New York Giants 7 Round Mock Draft: Filling post-free agency needs with elite talent
By Ryan Messick
Round 5, Pick No. 147: Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky
The New York Giants already have a few quarterbacks on the roster, but I just couldn’t pass on Zappe this deep into the draft.
Besides, if Davis Webb was going to develop into something, it would have happened by now with either the Giants, Jets, or Bills.
The third quarterback spot should go to someone with some upside, and Zappe certainly has that.
Zappe absolutely torched the competition last year for Western Kentucky, racking up 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Of course, that was Conference USA competition. However, Zappe did go up against Michigan State and put 488 yards on the Spartans while completing 46 of 64 passes for 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. The week prior, he nearly knocked off Indiana, with 365 yards and 3 touchdowns on 31-of-44 passing.
Zappe is a pocket passer, and he climbs the pocket nicely. However he lacks size at just 6’0 tall, and he does not have the speed to break the pocket to compensate for that. He also lacks arm strength, so if he’s going to develop into a viable NFL starter or backup, he’s going to need to throw with anticipation.
Those are the drawbacks. On the other hand, he’s an exceptional field general, making good pre-snap decisions and getting the ball out quickly. He has enough arm strength to get the ball out with enough zip for the first 20 yards or so. He’s worth a flyer in the fifth round, if you ask me!