As the New York Giants head into training camp, one position is going to be more under the microscope than any other, and for obvious reasons: quarterback.
And, when it comes to the quarterback position, that's exactly where you'll find the Giants' top "bust" candidate, at least according to Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox. It's Russell Wilson.
"If Wilson even wins the starting job out of training camp, don't expect him to make New York a playoff contender or make fans forget that Dart is waiting in the wings," Knox wrote.
That might sound like an obvious statement, but there is even deeper and more serious implications lying beneath the surface.
If Russell Wilson fails, his performance may directly impact Brian Daboll's future
Let's say Wilson struggles at some point. Ideally, he struggles very early on and it doesn't get a whole lot better. If that's the case, then head coach Brian Daboll might be able to make the decision which saves his job: replace Wilson with rookie Jaxson Dart.
Jameis Winston isn't likely to save his job. At this stage, Winston and Wilson are very similar players. They're still fairly-capable starters, but aren't going to move the needle in all likelihood.
Should Daboll be forced to make a change within the first four or five weeks with Wilson struggling, then Dart gets a chance to develop in a hurry. That could be good, or it could be bad. However, if Daboll is quick to make a change and show initiative, that could save his job.
Now, if Wilson starts out strong but fades a little later into the season, that will put further pressure on Daboll to make a decision. What happens if the season is essentially a lost cause by the time he benches Wilson?
To be truthful, there might not be a starting quarterback on this team, right now, who could get this squad to the playoffs. Dart could surprise if he takes over, but his success and leap are likely to come in Year 2 or even Year 3.
The moral of the story is this: if Wilson does, indeed, bust, then Daboll's job could be further in jeopardy even after adding three new quarterbacks in an offseason. The front office could see an opportunity to pair a young quarterback with a brand-new coaching staff and move forward in that fashion.
How long does Daboll survive if Wilson doesn't pay off?