New York Giants Continue To Make Puzzling Decisions

Dave Gettleman is an experienced GM who got a team to the Super Bowl a couple years ago. That’s why his New York Giants run so far has been puzzling.

Much of that centers around his decision to rebuild the roster around Eli Manning. While the 37-year old likely has a couple good years left, it seems like such an unnecessary gamble for Gettleman to dismiss the idea of taking a quarterback in the draft. This is the best opportunity the Giants could end up having for some time. They hold the #2 overall pick. They’ll be assured the #2 QB on the board presuming the Browns go with one at #1 as expected.

Instead, Gettleman has basically telegraphed what he plans to do next April with his latest move. According to Adam Schefter, they’ll be trading defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a 3rd round pick and swapping of 4th round picks. If there was any mystery about what the Giants will do, giving up a top pass rusher erased that.

This makes it all too clear that the Giants will likely make N.C. State defensive end Bradley Chubb their top pick in the draft.

Gettleman is now battling against time

It’s clear that Gettleman is of the belief that New York Giants football has always been about defense and he wants to get back to that tradition. His philosophy in that regard heavily favors strong defensive lines. So naturally, Chubb would be a target, especially now that Pierre-Paul is gone. At the same time, this has become a battle against the clock now.

The Giants feels Manning still gives them a window to get back to the Super Bowl. That’s why they hired Pat Shurmur as their head coach. He’s shown an ability to elevate quarterbacks in the past and Manning might be the most talented he’s gotten a chance to work with. If Gettleman can rebuild the defense and the offensive line quickly enough, they might be able to accomplish that mission. It’s a big risk though, and one that seems rather unnecessary.